Lancaster farming. (Lancaster, Pa., etc.) 1955-current, November 15, 1986, Image 145
HARRISBURG - En vironmental Resources Secretary Nicholas Deßenedictis this week announced receipt of a $2 1 million federal Environmental Protection Agency grant for the third year of the Commonwealth’s program to help improve the environmental quality of the Chesapeake Bay. “The EPA grant, matching the Commonwealth’s $2.1 million NEWARK, Del. - Alfalfa fields established in the fall of 1985 or spring of 1986 struggled all season in southern Delaware. “This has been a long, frustrating season for many crops and even a deep rooted perennial crop like alfalfa had problems - especially stands less than a year old,” says University of Delaware extension agricultural agent Bob Hochmuth. In most cases, he says, alfalfa planted last fall or spring got off to a fairly good start, and plant stand ' 'a- :'d - ‘' X a Model HM-101 MGS HANDYMAN TRAILER a .a Extra Strength for Extra Use ——' - HITCH UP TO A WINNER!———t fwELLsI ICAROOI DRAW TYPE HITCH DISTRIBUTOR Pi. State Impaction EPA Adds $2.1 commitment in this year’s state budget, brings Pennsylvania’s 1986-87 Chesapeake Bay program to $4.2 million,” Deßenedictis said. Since 1984-85, more than $lO million has been committed by state and federal governments for Pennsylvania’s efforts to help in the bay cleanup working jointly with Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Drought Causes Nodule Loss In New Alfalfa counts were acceptable. Then they were zapped by hot, dry weather. Even with adequate moisture during August and early Sep tember, these new stands have not responded. What’s the problem? Through Cooperative Ex tension’s alfalfa integrated pest management program, scouts visited many Delaware fields weekly during the growing season. 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GVWR • 13” High Steel Sides • 13” Tires Removable Tail Gate • Factory Undercoated • Tie-Down Loops Inside Tilt Bed-Tongue Jack Million To Bay Cleanup Effort “Pennsylvania’s participation in the Chesapeake Bay cleanup is vital to its success," EPA Region 111 Administrator James M Seif said. “Half the nutrients and a great deal of the sediments enter the bay from Pennsylvania’s portion of the Susquehanna, particularly from the southern counties where farming and livestock are concentrated ” “Most of these problem fields had high soil test levels, so we didn’t think lack of fertility could be the cause,” Hochmuth says. “Diseases weren’t a factor either-most crowns and stems were healthy and disease free. But when we carefully dug the stunted plants out of the ground and examined their root systems, the cause of their poor and yellowed regrowth was obvious. These new stands had lost their nitrogen fixing nodules.” Alfalfa is a legume, a plant type that uses rhizobia bacteria growing in association with its root system to acquire nitrogen. These rhizobia form nodules on the roots, and through the nodules convert atmospheric nitrogen to a plant available form. MULTITUDE OF USES Lancaster Farming Saturday, November 15,1986-025 Fifty percent of Pennsylvania’s program funds improved nutrient management practices on farm land in the Susquehanna River Basin To date, more than 300 farmers have expressed interest in the cost-sharing program, with design or construction of facilities underway on 100 farms in Adams, Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster and “Since the rhizobia bacterium is a living organism, it too suffers during extremely hot, dry weather,” Hochmuth explains. “Early last spring these new stands were well-nodulated. But during the period of drought this summer, the nodules were forced into dormancy. When the rains finally came, the alfalfa plants had to become re-nodulated naturally in the field. With a young stand, there are only a few bacteria in the root zone, so it takes longer for plants to form nodules. As a result, the alfalfa becomes stressed and deficient in nitrogen. “These plants are slowly becoming re-nodulated, and stands are recovering. But to get the roots off to a quicker start and hasten the nodulation process,” the ex tension agent continues, “in some cases this fall we recommended applying a little nitrogen-about 20 pounds per- acre—from a com mecial source.” Farmers who suspect they have had or continue to have this problem in alfalfa should contact their county extension agent for assistance in checking nodulation, Hochmuth says. Extension agents can be reached in Newark (451- 2506), Dover (736-1448) or Georgetown (856-7303). York counties, “Earlier this fall, Lt. Gov Scranton announced expansion of the cost-sharing program to counties in the upper Susquehanna River Basin-,” Deßenedictis said “Upon completion of watershed assessments, the cost-sharing program will be extended to Northumberland, Union, Lycoming, Centre, Montour and Snyder counties.” Under the cost-sharing program, farmers may receive 80 percent of the cost of implementing an ap proved nutrient management program, up to $30,000. Approved practices include reduced tillage systems, animal waste handling and storage facilities, contour farming and stream protection measures. Pennsylvania’s bay program also includes extensive educational programs for the agricultural community and general public and technical assistance for county conservation districts. Pennsylvania’s Chesapeake Bay program is administered by DER in cooperation with the State Conservation Commission and conservation districts. 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