D2O-Lancast«r Farming Saturday February 23,1985 DEKALB, 111. - The opportunity for higher alfalfa yields during the seeding year has helped boost direct seeding’s popularity, says DeKalb-Pfiser agronomist Greg Jones. Fanners can establish alfalfa faster with direct seeding than by using a companion or nurse crop, Jones explains. That’s because a companion crop competes with the alfalfa for nutrients and moisture and slows plant development. The companion crop must be harvested prior to cutting the alfalfa as well. “Improvements in the her bicides available to control weeds in alfalfa also have increased the popularity of direct seeding,” Jones notes. In the past, com panion crops have been used to help suppress week competition and to control soil erosion in seedling stands of alfalfa Field selection is a vital management step in direct seeding. Since no companion crop is planted to help control soil erosion, Jones advises farmers to direct-seed alfalfa only on level or Chester Dairy WEST CHESTER - The Chester County Cooperative Extension Service will hold its Annual Dairy Day Program on Feb. 27. The program will be held at the Sad sburyville Fire Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The educational program will include presentations on farm respiratory hazards, new dairy feeding concepts, and coccidiosis and heifer parasite control. In addition, the program will include a participatory presentation en titled “First On the Scene”, which discusses new crucial actions to take when faced with a farm ac FRANK A. FILLIPPO, INC. DISABLED & CRIPPLED COWS ( BULLS & STEERS Competitive Prices Slaughtered under government inspection Coll: Frank Fillippo - Residence - 215-666-0725 Elam Cinder - 717-367-3824 C.L. King - 717-786-7229 Direct-seeded alfalfa gains popularity gently sloping (5 percent or less) fields. Once a field is selected, a soil test should be taken to determine fertility needs, the agronomist says. The optimum soil pH range for alfalfa is 6.5 - 7.0. If it is below 6.5, lime should be added. The optimum soil test levels for alfalfa are 50 to 60 pounds per acre of available phosphorus; 350 to 400 pounds per acre of exchangeable potassium; 3 pounds per acre of boron; and 40 pounds per acre of sulfur. Fertilize to bring soils to these levels. Prior to planting, growers should prepare a firm level seedbed that is free of trash. Obtaining the desired alfalfa stand means paying close attention to such details as planting depth and seeding rate, Jones notes. “Alfalfa seedlings are small, fragile plants that can’t push through the soil if planted too deep,” he adds. Recommended planting depths vary from one fourth to one-half inch on heavier clay soils to a maximum of one Day on Feb. 27 cident. “First on the Scene” is a beneficial program for dairy producers spouses, family members, and other farm per sonnel. The day’s agenda will also in clude a farmer panel of Penn sylvania and Maryland producers discussing new feeding systems. The Sadsburyville Fire Hall is located on old Route 30 between Coatesville and the intersection of Route 10 and Route 30. For more information, call the Chester County Cooperative Ex tension Service office at 696-3500. WANTED Paid inch on sandy soils. Direct seeding requires a higher seeding rate than alfalfa seeded with a companion crop. At least 15 to 18 pounds per acre is required to reach a first-year stand of 20 to 30 plants per square foot in most areas, Jones says. High-quality seed should be purchased from a reliable sup plier, recommends DeKalb k V>* .'* M^<^f »V» ~ ' ■ •/ v v -» -*.’*/ ’**' *w’es r‘ * ,-<*:* **>«4* / < V*”i K ti **• / Now you can get into high capacity tionmg of the header. You can cut from the haymaking with new swing-frame center left side or right side of the tractor, or tow pivot mower conditioners from Gehl. Our directly behind for reading. The result to new 2230 has a full 12’ cutting width while you is reduced cutting time and fuel costs the 2262 offers a 14' cut AND high speed with nearly infinite manueuverability double sickle cutting action for faster cut ting and increased capacity auger to feed the crop into the 57" wide Both of these new mower conditioners conditioning rolls for thorough crop condi feature totally hydraulic drive with high tioning. torque and smooth operation -- no mechanical main drivelines for reduced Now you can get into high capacity maintenance and parts. haymaking at self-propelled speeds and convenience, without the cost of a self- These new swing-frame units pivot at the propelled. The NEW 2230 and 2262 center of the frame for positive, easy posi- swing-frame mower conditioners from Gehl. Skid Sfeer Loaders and Mix-Alls Have Interest Free Waiver Until July 1. 1985 Hay and Forage Equipment Have Interest Free Waiver Until September 1. 1985 Ask Your Dealer About Rebates Instead of Delayed Payment PEOPLE’S J ft M MACHINERY LEBANON VALLEY ELD IL. nr SALES & SERVICE Greens*.*, pa IMPLEMENT CO., INC. SALES t SERVICE, Oakland Mills, PA 412-668-2276 Richland, PA INC. 717-463-2735 BENNETT A. L. HERR ft BRO. H Ouarrvville PA 1601 S. Dupont Blvd 717 7M 3521 MitlOfd.DE 717-786-3521 302-422-4837 BINKLEY t HURST BROS. CLAIR J. MYERS WPIHII c tIOU UMBERGER’S OF FONTANA 133 Rothsville Lake Road R 1 Rt. 4 Lebanon. PA Station Road Thomasville, PA EQUIPMENT (Fontana) Lititz, PA 717-259-0453 Bloomsburg, PA 717-867-5161 717-626-4705 717-784-7731 ARUETT’S GARAGE ECKHOTH BROS. SSSSki^bSp Rt 9 Box 125 STOUFFER BROS. INC. FARM EQUIPMENT Hagerstown. MD Chambersburg, PA RT 2 Box 24A pA 301-733-0515 717-263-8424 New Ringgold, PA ,75 717-943-2131 717-249-5338 R.E. SMELTZER GEO. W. KINSMAN, EQUIPMENT CO. INC. RD2, Box 2 516 Main Street Centre Hall, PA Honesdale, PA 814-364-1419 717-253-3440 agronomist Bill Amdorfer. “Look at the seed tag to check for ac ceptable germination levels,” he adds. The seed should be inoculated with rhizobia to ensure nitrogen-fixing activity, especially if the alfalfa is being planted in a field that hasn’t been in alfalfa for several years, he advises. Another consideration at planting is the timing. “Fanners & & Hi EEHL y»— t -i I Ear ES “ 4 > „ Both the 2230 and 2262 feature a 20" RT 1 Box 619 Stoneboro, PA DAYTON EQUIPMENT 412-376-3390 CONPANY 412-376-3740 Dayton, PA 412-783-6990 717-866 7518 MILLER EQUIPMENT HINES EOUIPMEHT nn Cresson, PA b - 814-8864183 RDI Bechtelsville, PA 215-845-2911 should plant as early as possible m the spring,” Amdorfer says. If fall seeded, alfalfa should be planted six weeks ahead of the normal date of the first killing frost. The availability of herbicides for weed control coupled with higher first-year alfalfa yields adds up to success. Direct seeding is an op tion farmers should consider, Jones concludes. Bellwood 814-742-8171 ■t v
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