Free Soybean Cyst Nematode Sampling
Do you have an area in your soybean field that consistently matures earlier, is shorter, or always yields less? Do you have a field that has a history of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS)? Then Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) could be your issue. Thanks to the NY Corn & Soybean Growers Association and the Soybean Checkoff, we have 10 samples that we can take and get processed for free. We have taken samples in past years, and we have found low levels in every one of our NWNY counties. If you suspect you could have a problem, contact Jodi or Mike and we will come take a soil sample. The best time to do this is right after harvest. This is on a first come, first serve basis so contact us asap.
Cover Crops Following Corn Silage
It’s September and the first corn silage fields are being chopped. What a difference a month can make when it comes to planting cover crops. Following winter wheat harvest, we had lots of options particularly in the first half of August. As we go past Labor Day, many of those crops such as clovers, peas, radishes, and oats, will not gain the biomass needed to be an effective fall cover. Who knows when that first frost will be this fall. What’s left? Planting winter cereal grains are our best option after corn silage in NWNY.
Cereal rye is always the safest cover crop when it comes to establishment and biomass accumulation in the fall and spring. However, it can also be a nightmare in the spring if weather conditions do not allow for it to be sprayed, rolled or plowed under it a timely manner. Rye seed does germinate at the lowest soil temperatures and would be the best bet on those later harvested fields.
Winter wheat also establishes well in the fall and makes good cover. It does not grow as fast in the spring and therefore provides a wider window for management. Seeding rates for these cereals should be about 120 lbs. per acre (2 bushels).
Winter triticale is a hybrid between rye and wheat. It is the best option if you plan on harvesting the cover for forage in the spring. This has become a very popular option to increase forage inventories and has shown to be a good quality feed. Planting depth should be 1.25 to 1.5 inches deep at 100-120 pounds per acre. An additional fact sheet on winter triticale forage can be found on Cornell’s Nutrient Management Spear Program site at http://nmsp.cals.cornell.edu/publications/factsheets/factsheet56.pdf.
Getting Ready to Plant Winter Wheat
Riding around this week I saw some early maturity soybeans that had almost lost all their leaves. That means winter wheat is not far behind so here are a few quick reminders.
I get questions about the fly free dates every year. I have never seen Hessian flies in NY, but I guess that does not mean they are not here! I have been seeing more aphid transmission of Barley yellow Dwarf virus (fall yellows). Both pests are taken out by the first frost. Fly-free dates are determined based on altitude. For NWNY the date when it is safe to plant is roughly September 10 at 1200 ft, September 15 at 800 ft, and September 20 at 400 ft.
I have seen an increase in the number of wheat growers putting down starter fertilizer with great results! Phosphorus is very important and winter grains need 15 pounds for strong seedling establishment. Wheat also likes between 20-30 pounds of nitrogen at planting to promote fall tiller development.
Start off planting around 1.3 million seeds per acre in mid-September and increase population based on soil conditions and planting date.
To figure out how many pounds per acre, use the following formula.
Seeds per acre / # seeds/lb. = lb./acre Example: 1,450,000 / 13,000 = 111.5 lb./acre. Remember seeds per pound can vary from 9,000 to 16,000 seeds per pound so make sure you know your seed size.
How to Achieve High Yield Winter Forages
A cover crop refers to an inexpensive seed that is broadcasted, and its success is determined by its ability to germinate and exhibit green growth. The selection of winter forage is based on its ability to produce high yields and withstand harsh winter conditions. It is intentionally planted using a drill at the appropriate time and fertilized in the fall to maximize its yield potential.
Winter forage options often involves choosing between rye grain and triticale. Both options yield satisfactory results, with rye showing comparable digestibility during flag leaf stage. Triticale has greater production potential due to its ability to grow more tillers on shorter plants and can withstand elevated nitrogen levels.
- The planting rate of winter triticale seed is crucial, with research showing no benefit from planting above 100 lbs.
- The use of treated seeds can help reduce the negative effects of delayed planting, with only a marginal increase in seed cost. Call your seed supplier early to accommodate.
- Please consider replacing the accordion-style drop tubes on the drill with smooth-sleeved ones.
- Early planting of triticale in the growing season, two weeks prior to the designated wheat planting date, ensures optimal tiller production and establishes the crop for optimal yield potential in the spring.
- Postponing planting for manure application is not advisable, as it reduces production potential.
- Using a rolling coulter manure injector can save costs and ensure a smooth surface for spring mowing.
- Early nitrogen application can enhance fall growth without causing winter mortality. Larger plants planted early or timely with fall nitrogen application tend to perform better in avoiding mold and achieving growth.
For more detailed information please visit: Tom. 2023. July 2023 Getting High Yield Winter Forage – Advanced Ag Systems. July 2023 Getting High Yield Winter Forage – Advanced Ag Systems. https://advancedagsys.com/july-2023-getting-high-yield-winter-forage/.
Next report will be August 30.
