Control Alfalfa I Feeds
Do not let weeds steal your
alfalfa!
Winter annual weeds have been
growing actively and will be a
major problem in many alfalfa
fields. The long growing season
and the cool, moist conditions this
fall favored seed germination
and weed growth, according to
Robert A. Powers Jr, Chester
County ag agent, and Glenn A.
Shirk, associate agent.
Chickweed, shepards purse,
field peppergrass and pennycress
are the winter annual weeds to be
concerned about. These weeds
can be costly; they cause thin
stands. They reduce crop yields
and forage quality. The dense,
matty growth of chickweed
smothers out the alfalfa, and it
interferes with harvesting and
curing.
Many of these weeds are small
now and may not appear to be
much of a problem. However,
this is the best time to control
them!
PLYWOOD
-—
If they are not controlled now,
they will continue to grow this
winter, and they could become a
real serious problem by next
spring. Then, it will be too late to
control them or to correct the
damage they may have done to
the alfalfa stand, the Extension
agents warn.
Three control materials are
recommended; information can
be obtained from your local
Extension agent.
Select one that fits your
specific weed and crop situation.
They will do a fairly good job if
applied now.
However, do not expect a 100
per cent weed control the kind
of control you often see in corn.
With forage crops, an 85 per cent
kill is very good.
A few intentional skips at
spraying time can be proof that
these sprays do help.
For best results:
1. Apply after alfalfa is dor-
mant after the second killing
frost.
2. Get good coverage:
Use 20 - 40 gallons of water
per acre.
—Spray at a pressure of 30 - 40
pounds per square inch.
Spray nozzles should be 18 -
22 inches above the weeds.
Avoid overlaps of sprayer
boom.
Distribute fertilizers con
taining herbicides evenly.
3. Use recommended materials
according to directions.
Meeting Cancelled
The December 16, Penn
sylvania Started Pullet Sym
posium IV has been cancelled.
This statewide meeting was to be
held at the Farm and Home
Center, Lancaster.
Try A Classified Ad
If- Pays!
Lancaster Farming, Saturday, November 27,1971—:
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