By Scout Nelson
Western Nebraska faces unique agricultural challenges due to its low rainfall and high altitude. A recent study at the High Plains Ag Lab focused on evaluating different forages under varied irrigation levels to determine the most effective options for fall forage.
In this study, a sorghum-sudangrass hybrid, oats, and foxtail millet were grown following wheat harvests and measured for dry matter production, total digestible nutrients (TDN), crude protein (CP), and nitrate levels. The study spanned two years, 2012 and 2013, with differing weather conditions impacting irrigation needs and forage outcomes.
2012 was notably hot and dry, leading researchers to adjust irrigation levels to four and eight inches, significantly higher than the planned minimal levels. Despite the harsh conditions, the sorghum-sudangrass hybrid outperformed oats and millet in dry matter production.
However, in 2013, more moderate weather allowed for more typical irrigation levels of four and five inches. Results from this year showed that both sorghum-sudangrass and oats produced more dry matter than millet.
Planting dates also affected yields, with earlier planting resulting in higher dry matter production before the frost. The quality of forages, as indicated by crude protein and total digestible nutrients, was generally acceptable across all forages and conditions, though it was inversely related to dry matter output.
One significant concern was the high nitrate levels in 2012, which were above safe consumption levels. Fortunately, levels dropped by the following spring, making the forages safe for livestock.
This study underscores the importance of timely planting and careful selection of forage types in regions like Western Nebraska, where irrigation water is scarce, and weather conditions can be extreme. These insights help optimize forage production and support livestock health and productivity.
Photo Credit:rain-gettyimages-wiyadaa
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Sorghum, Hay & Forage, Livestock, Weather