By Scout Nelson
In Nebraska, the strategic management of cover crops and cornstalks is essential for maintaining soil health and ensuring the success of subsequent cash crops. As winter progresses, understanding the optimal termination methods for covering crops and effective grazing strategies becomes crucial.
Cover crops like oats, sorghum-Sudan grass, and oilseed radishes typically die off naturally during winter, easing their termination. However, hardier species such as cereal ryegrass and winter barley might survive the cold, requiring chemical interventions for effective control.
Herbicides like glyphosate combined with burndown agents such as 2,4-D or saflufenacil are often necessary to manage these resilient species and control winter weeds.
For the effective application of herbicides, conditions must be right, with temperatures above 50°F for at least a day or two to ensure optimal herbicidal action.
In situations where chemical methods are insufficient, such as with tall cereal rye, non-selective herbicides like Gramoxone (paraquat) may be used, although they might not consistently kill winter wheat. Alternatively, tillage can be employed to accelerate residue breakdown, though it may reduce some benefits of the cover crops, such as erosion control.
When it comes to grazing, cornstalks provide a valuable winter forage resource, especially in areas with minimal snowfall. However, nutritional value decreases over time, and extreme weather conditions like icy crusts on snow can restrict access to forage, necessitating supplemental feeding.
Properly managing the stocking rate is vital, with a general rule of about 30 cow days per 100 bushels of corn produced being a guideline for optimal grazing duration.
Furthermore, environmental factors such as rain or high winds can reduce the quality of cornstalks by leaching soluble nutrients or blowing away high-nutrient parts like leaves and husks. Monitoring these conditions and adjusting grazing practices accordingly is essential for maximizing the nutritional benefits of cornstalks throughout the winter.
By adhering to these guidelines, Nebraska farmers can effectively manage their cover crops and utilize cornstalks for grazing, thereby supporting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing soil fertility for future planting seasons.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, Sorghum