CIQ-L«ncast»r Farming, Saturday, July 31, 1993
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ALFALFA CUTTING
MANAGEMENT
Dr. Marvin H. Hall
Penn State
Cutting management is an
important tool in achieving high
quality, high yields, and stand per
sistence. It also can be effective in
reducing the impact of weed, in
sect, and disease pests.
Harvest schedules will depend
somewhat on the quality goals of
the producer. Progressive dairy
farmers have recognized the eco
nomic importance of producing
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717-246-3085
1-WO-532-SOIS
East Earl
GOODS LAWN
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MESSICK FARM
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Rhoomo ExH-RL 213
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717-733-421 •
I GRAZING
PASTURE
MENT
high quality forage and will often
cut early in order to obtain greater
than 20 percent crude protein, less
than 30 percent acid detergent fi
ber, and less than 40 percent neu
tral detergent fiber. Such high
quality forage has the potential to
increase forage dry matter intake
and milk production while de
creasing the requirement the re
quirement for grain.
For high quality alfalfa, make
the first cutting at mid- to full bud
stage, so long as:
• Better adapted varieties with
•>30.2 cc; 10.8 lbs. without
cutting head and deflector
• Flow-through primer
• Large easy-access air filter
• Built-in hanger/stand
• Adjustable loop handle
Gap
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RO 1, Box 1122
218-433-1028
Jonestown
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RL 72 South
717-335-2334
Mveratown
EBLING LAWN A
GARDEN SERVICE
M 2 E. Lin coin An.
717-33*4720
Distributed By
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170 Newport Road
2 Mia* South ol Rt 21
Along 772 Thm Hontony
Shlppenabura
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717-832-5511
Tamaqua
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no i
717-3SS-SS4S
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ENFIELD
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720 Whootor School M.
Ml-S7S-SOSO
multiple pest resistance are used.
• Adequate levels of lime, phos
phorus, and potassium are main
tained.
• Insect pests are monitored and
controlled.
Cutting pre or early bud alfalfa
is not recommended because there
is a higher risk of losing the stand.
Also, fiber levels may be undesir
ably low when cut extremely ear
ly. If an alfalfa stand has been
weakened by winter stress, make
the first cutting at early to mid
bloom stage.
Generally, summer cuttings are
permitted to reach early bloom
(approximately 35 days between
cuttings). In Pennsylvania, the
average cutting intervals between
first and second cuts and second
and third cuts, for producers who
make four or more cuts per year, is
37 and 33 days, respectively.
In the past, it has been recom
mended that producers should
avoid cutting alfalfa during the
critical six-week period prior to
the average hard frost date (gener
ally between early September and
mid-October). This should still be
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considered if the stand is weak be
cause of such factors as low soil
fertility, disease, or extreme cli
matic conditions (such as water
saturated soils). However, it has
more recently been recognized
that alfalfa can be cut even during
this critical period as long as:
• Better adapted varieties with
multiple pest resistant are used.
• Adequate levels of lime, phos
phorus, and potassium are main
tained.
• There are at least 45 days of
regrowth prior to cutting.
If harvests are delayed until
mid-October, leave a 4- to 6-inch
stubble to protect the crown and to
catch snow for added insulation
over winter unless the stand is to
be plowed down the following
spring.
Harvest schedules for alfalfa
grass mixtures should be based on
the growth stage of the alfalfa as it
relates to the species of grass used
in the mix. Because orchardgrass,
perennial ryegrass, reed canary
grass, and tall fescue can tolerate
more frequent cuttings without
jeopardizing the grass stand, they
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Store Hours: Mon.-Sat. 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM 7.1
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are more compatible with fre
quently cut alfalfa.
Stands of timothy or smooth
bromegrass mixed with alfalfa
should not be cut until the grass is
in the early head-emergence stage,
and cannot tolerate frequently cut
alfalfa; therefore, they are more
compatible with less intensely
managed alfalfa (three cuts or less
per year).
For information on alfalfa cut
ting management, refer to
“Agronomy Facts 7: Cutting Man
agement of Alfalfa, Red Clover,
and Birdsfoot Trefoil,” available
from your county cooperative ex
tension office.
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