Category: Forage

Managing Soil Fertility in Times of High Fertilizer Prices

Amanda Grev, Pasture & Forage Specialist
University of Maryland Extension

Fertilizer prices have continued to climb, with prices increasing as much as 89 to 154% from the end of 2020 through the beginning of 2022 (Figure 1). Current predictions are that fertilizer prices are expected to remain elevated for the time being, putting us well into the growing season.

Figure 1. Fertilizer prices for urea, diammonium phosphate (DAP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), and potash from December 2020 through January 2022. Data from USDA-IL Dept of Ag Illinois Production Cost Report.

Given these high prices, it is essential to think carefully about nutrient management programs and making smart choices when it comes to fertilizer and nutrient decisions. Rather than blindly cutting expenses, we need to look for those places where eliminating costs will have little or no impact on forage production. Below are some strategies to consider that may help reduce the impact of high fertilizer prices on your bottom line.

Start with What You Have

Regardless of whether your operation uses conventional or organic practices, there are basic physical and chemical limitations to forage production within your fields. We know that suboptimal protein or energy in the ration will limit milk production or animal gains; in the same way, suboptimal nutrients in the soil will limit forage production. That said, there is no reason to apply nutrients where they are not needed, especially when prices are high. When a particular field contains high or very high levels of certain nutrients, there is no real economic return on adding additional nutrients. In fact, high or excess nutrient levels can even limit profitability in some cases by tying up other nutrients and causing deficiencies.

What is needed in terms of nutrients will vary tremendously from farm to farm, from field to field, and from crop to crop. You can’t balance the soil without knowing what is available, and the only way to determine existing nutrient levels is through soil testing. While soil tests may not be perfect, we can’t manage what we haven’t measured, and knowing the nutrient content of forage fields is a critical step in being able to target nutrient applications to fields which will give us a positive economic response.

Prioritize Based on Nutrient Status

Once we have our soil test results, we can use the information to prioritize fields based on their current nutrient status. For nutrients other than nitrogen, fertilization decisions for each field should be determined in relation to whether the field is below, within, or above the optimum range.

Fields that already contain optimum nutrient levels can likely get by with less, or in some cases, no added fertility. Under normal circumstances, it is typically recommended that fields in the optimum range receive nutrients at a level equal to crop removal rates to maintain soil nutrient levels in the optimum range for the future. However, it is not always necessary to pre-replace the nutrients that will be utilized. Soils in the optimum range should have enough nutrient supplying capacity to grow crops without any deficiency for at least a year. This is especially true for soil phosphorus reserves, which can often last for several years; soil potassium reserves tend to be depleted faster, especially where forage crops are harvested. Therefore, we can rely on the existing soil nutrients for now and replace the removed nutrients later on when fertilizer prices are lower. Keep in mind that you can’t rely on this forever; eventually, soil test levels will fall below optimum, yields will suffer, and forage stands will weaken and thin. This is especially true for hay production, which has a much higher soil nutrient removal compared to pasture. However, this strategy can be used to get through temporary price spikes and supply shortages if your soil test levels are in the optimum zone to begin with. If fertilizer prices remain high over the next year, consider getting a new soil test next year to make sure you haven’t fallen below the optimal range, and adjust your fertilization strategy according to the new results.

For fields with soil test levels below the optimum range, investing in added nutrients is often warranted due to the high probability of a positive economic response; if not added, there is an increased likelihood of yield or stand declines resulting from nutrient deficiencies. However, remember that fertility recommendations for fields that test below the optimum range typically call for enough nutrients to supply the crop with what it will remove in a given year while also adding additional nutrients to raise the soil test level up into the optimum range. In times when fertilizer prices are high, focus on providing the crop with a maintenance level of fertility equal to what it will remove each year, and wait to build fertility levels back up into the optimum range for another year when prices are lower. Crop removal rates can be calculated based on the expected yield multiplied by the average removal rate for each unit of yield (Table 1).

Table 1. Typical crop removal rates per ton of forage produced for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

Crop N Removal P2O5 Removal K2O Removal
____________ Uptake, lbs/ton ____________
Alfalfa 56 15 60
Orchardgrass 50 17 62
Tall Fescue 39 19 53
Timothy 37 14 62
Bermudagrass 43 10 48
Sorghum-Sudangrass 40 15 58

Ensure Maximum Nutrient Availability

Regardless of soil nutrient status, the amount of fertilizer available to the plant is optimized by having the pH correct for the crop. Maintaining an optimum soil pH aids in the availability of other nutrients, ensuring that we are getting the most out of the nutrients present in the soil. As soils become more acidic, nutrients become less available to the plant, even if they are present in the soil. This can result in a 20 to 50% decrease in fertilizer efficiency with declining pH levels (Figure 2). This means that at a pH below 6.0, you are essentially throwing away 20% or more of your fertilizer due to the effect of soil acidity on nutrient availability.

Figure 2. Decrease in fertilizer efficiency for varying soil pH levels due to acidic soil conditions.

Unlike many other nutrients, lime prices have remained relatively stable. Correcting soil pH and maintaining it in the optimum range (6.0 to 7.0 for most forage crops) allows for maximum nutrient availability for most macro and micronutrients and is one of the biggest things you can do to prevent this and get the most bang for your fertilizer buck. An added benefit, maintaining an optimum soil pH also helps maintain a strong legume component in mixed stands, which in turn provides a cheap source of nitrogen for grass growth.

Pick the Right Product

Fertilizer efficiency depends on the type of product being used. Blended fertilizers like 10-10-10 or 13-13-13 may be easier to apply but may not provide the forage with enough of a given nutrient or may result in the application of unneeded nutrients. Particularly for harvested forages, these straight blends are likely not sufficient to replenish the K being removed from the hayfield. Getting a custom blend or mixing fertilizer may be more tedious, but it can be better tailored to the needs of the crop and field, reducing inputs and also preventing over-application of expensive and unneeded nutrients.

Use Legumes to Your Advantage

One of the most cost-effective ways to add nitrogen into hay or pasture systems is through the addition of legumes. Due to their symbiotic relationship with soil rhizobium bacteria, legumes have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia that can be used by the plant. This capability allows legumes to fix anywhere from 50 to 250 pounds of nitrogen per acre per year, which translates to a big savings at current nitrogen prices. If an adequate level of legumes is present in forage stands (typically at least 30% or greater), you may be able to effectively eliminate the need for additional nitrogen, while also providing other benefits such as increased forage quality and improved summer production.

One easy way to increase the legume component of a forage stand is through frost seeding. This seeding method uses the natural freezing and thawing actions of the soil to work seeds into the soil where they can germinate as temperatures warm. Clover is typically the most successful species to frost seed, but annual lespedeza may be another option. If you missed the frost seeding window, drilling legume seeds into pastures during the spring or fall is also an option. Either way, for successful legume establishment be sure that soil fertility levels (particularly soil pH) are adequate and the seed is inoculated with the proper bacterial inoculant.

Be Strategic with Nitrogen

For stands without legumes, nitrogen is still a key player in maximizing production. However, we can be strategic with our timing and number of applications. Strategic timing for nitrogen might mean forgoing an early spring application, as it’s not uncommon to have excess forage available on pasture in the spring or to grow more first cutting hay than can be made and harvested in a timely fashion. However, nitrogen applied to a grass hayfield immediately after first or second cutting can significantly boost the yield of the subsequent cutting. Similarly, late fall nitrogen applications on cool-season perennial forages have been proven to help increase plant density, improve winter survival, and promote green up earlier in the spring. Bottom line, before you feel the need to add nitrogen to increase yield, make sure you will be able to effectively utilize the additional forage produced and do some calculations to make sure your nitrogen application is warranted and economical at the current prices.

Capitalize on Manure as an Alternative Nutrient Source

Although the need for nutrients by plants can’t be changed, the source of those nutrients can be. Most producers recognize the value of livestock manure as a plant nutrient source. Applying this manure, either by spreader or by animal, in the right place, at the right time, and in the right amount can go a long way to reducing fertilizer expenses.

Manure can provide significant amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, making it a valuable source of nutrients. However, there is a huge range in nutrient content depending on species, farm, and management conditions. Manure samples will give you the data you need to know what you are working with in terms of nutrients. As an example, poultry litter containing 2.7% N, 2.3% P2O5, and 2.9% K2O would provide 54 lbs N, 46 lbs P2O5, and 58 lbs K2O per ton. Altogether, this adds up to a total of around $117 per ton in nutrient value based on current fertilizer prices. If you were to spread 2 tons per acre, this means you are effectively applying $234 per acre, which is a big savings over fertilizer prices. Now is not the time to spread manure on the most conveniently located field. Rather, apply it where the soil test indicates it’s most needed. Manure applications should be prioritized on fields that require nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to maximize utilization of all three nutrients. If your soil tests are already optimum or above optimum in phosphorus and potassium for certain fields, consider applying manure to other fields that are in need of those nutrients.

Note that not all of the nitrogen in manure will be immediately available to plants. The amount available varies based on manure source, type of application, and weather patterns, but on average approximately 45 to 65% of the nitrogen in manure will be available during the first year following application, with more becoming available over time as the organic fraction is made available through mineralization.

Manure can be equally as valuable in a pasture situation. In a grazing system, as much as 80 to 90% of the nutrients consumed by the animal are recycled back into the system. However, there is a tendency for nutrients to become concentrated near shade and watering areas, so it becomes critical to ensure an even distribution of nutrients from animal manure. This is best accomplished by implementing rotational grazing and by using a winter feeding system that doesn’t involve a centralized feeding area; both of these strategies will help distribute nutrients more evenly across the pasture area.

Minimize Losses

The most common nitrogen source used for pastures and hayfields is urea, which is prone to volatilization losses when left on the soil surface. Applying nitrogen after a first cutting onto warm soils at times of high air temperature increases the risk of volatilization when using urea-based nitrogen sources. If urea is being used, applying prior to a rain event can help mitigate these losses. If rainfall is not expected, including a nitrogen stabilizer or urease inhibitor may be warranted; however, this will be an added expense. Alternatively, if other nutrients are needed at the same time, the nitrogen that comes along with a phosphorus source like DAP (18-46-0) is more stable, as are other options like ammonium sulfate (21-0-0-24).

Similarly, efforts should be made to maximize efficiency and minimize losses of the nutrients contained in manure. As much as 50 to 75% of the available nitrogen in manure can be lost through nitrogen volatilization and runoff losses when manure is surface applied, meaning you now have to make up for that in other ways or put more manure on to meet your nitrogen needs. If it is an option and fits within your management, consider incorporating or injecting your manure to minimize nitrogen losses. This will allow you to hold on to the ammonia nitrogen in addition to the organic nitrogen, and will also prevent uneven applications due to movement down into swales or low-lying areas. Volatilization can also be reduced by applying liquid or solid manures when air temperatures are cold (< 40°F). Reducing nitrogen volatilization losses and holding that nitrogen in the soil is especially important during times with high fertilizer prices and short supply.

Utilize Hay as a Nutrient Source

With the current high nitrogen prices, livestock operations may find it worthwhile to make an economic comparison of the cost of hay versus fertilizer. Rather than using nitrogen to boost pasture yields to support summer grazing, it may pencil out that purchasing additional good quality hay to use for feed during the summer months is less expensive. Additionally, like manure, hay can serve as another valuable source of nutrients for plants and can be used to offset fertilizer expenses. When you bring hay or other supplemental feed onto your farm, you are not only buying feed but also a source of nutrients at the same time. At current prices, a ton of hay can provide up to $90 or more in nutrient value alone. If spread strategically, those nutrients can provide fertilizer value to offset the cost of the hay. This can be accomplished by feeding hay on pasture, particularly on pastures with low soil fertility, and by moving hay rings, unrolling hay bales, or using bale grazing to spread fecal and hay nutrients across pastures.

Things to Watch For

As you reduce the amount of added nutrients on your fields, keep an eye on your soil test results and be aware of potential issues that may arise. Be sure to maintain adequate sulfur concentrations; sulfur is an essential nutrient for protein formation and less atmospheric sulfur is being deposited through rainfall events. Another potential issue to watch for is zinc deficiencies; fields with very high phosphorus often have zinc deficiencies caused by phosphorus binding up zinc. Lastly, be skeptical of “too good to be true” fertilizer products and enhancers, particularly ones that promise greater nutrient availability at low application rates.

When nutrient prices get to the levels we are seeing now, a little bit of planning and strategic thinking can effectively offset fertilizer purchases and go a long way in reducing the costs of production and increasing the profitability of your operation. Many of the strategies discussed here are best management practices that can and should be implemented regardless of nutrient prices, but they become especially important in times of high prices.

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: November 2021

Crop reports are for conditions up to November 11, 2021.

Western Maryland

The trees are coloring, while not as pretty as when we receive summer showers but we will take it. Four good nights of hard freezes give us hope winter will bring some healing from insects and disease. Nearly all of the corn and beans are in the bins and the wheat, barley, rye, and triticale are planted. The last of the dairy manure will soon hit the ground and everyone will head to the shop to begin winter repairs and maintenance looking towards spring 2022. Depending on where you are located in the county, grain yields were mostly unaffected but hay and silage yields were down. Looking forward to a better 2022. —Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland

After temperatures dipped down to freezing at night for a day or two last week, we finally have a few warm, sunny days to continue harvest, which rains in the past month had made challenging. On average, I have heard reports of at or above average corn and soybean yields, as well as some local and regional mills being full.—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

Northern Maryland

In general, harvest ‘21 has been very smooth. Weather has cooperated with the exception of a few cloudy/rainy days in October that stopped combines for a few days. Just about all corn and full season beans have been harvested, the majority of what’s still sanding in fields are double crops. Yields for corn, full-season, and double crop beans have been very strong across the board. Soil temperatures and moisture conditions made for very good cover crop and small grain establishment. The talk of supply shortages, double and tripling fertilizer costs and other rising inputs has put a damper on an otherwise exciting harvest. Hopefully 2022 inputs will not price us out of farming!—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper & Mid Shore

It has been a very smooth harvest season. Bean harvest is winding down, with most farmers finishing full season beans and working on double crop beans. Small grain and cover crops look excellent.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Eastern Shore

Corn harvest is complete. About 30-40% of soybean has been harvested. Recent floods and high water table in the region have delayed some fields from being harvested. Wheat planting is progressing well with 70-80% of the acreage planted. Early planted small grains have emerged and are looking good at this time. While cover crop planting is still underway, many early-planted fields are already seeing substantial growth. This fall cover crop growth should provide great benefits in terms of scavenging leftover nutrients from the soil. If conditions are favorable, we are expecting a lot more cover crop to be seeded with the extended MDA planting date deadline.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

Weather conditions have been decent for harvest with the last of the corn coming off now. Farmers are scrambling to finish up soybean harvest as well. Soybeans have been hard to get down to 13% moisture in many cases. Both corn and soybean yields have been very good to excellent. Small grain planting is a bit behind schedule due to the weather conditions as of late. Most folks are getting cover crop and wheat planting finished up this week. This area received its first frost last week; we still haven’t received a hard frost but most vegetable crops are finished. Time to put this season to bed and get ready for next spring.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: October 2021

Crop reports are for conditions up to October 8, 2021.

Western Maryland

The weather has remained kind to us here in Washington County. We have had welcome rains that have been gentle in their nature. Soil moisture is at its optimum for fall planting. Early soybeans and corn harvest has begun, yields have yet to be reported. Most corn silage has been harvested and planting of winter annuals has begun. Additionally, wheat seeding will soon commence.  —Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland

As I write this, it is lightly raining here at the Montgomery County Extension Office. Corn grain harvest is in full swing. I have not seen any soybean fields come off yet. Corn yields have varied depending on location and summer rainfall, but have overall been close to or slightly above average.—Kelly Nichols

Northern Maryland

Conditions have been ideal for corn harvest. Corn harvest started around the second week of September and is now in full swing. Yields are variable but most fields are running average to above average. A few acres of early soybeans have been harvested; double crop soybeans continue to look very strong. We’ve had good soil conditions for cover crop, small grain, and pasture seeding.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper & Mid Shore

Corn and soybean harvest is moving along smoothly, with the exception of lines at the granaries. It takes time to deliver high yields to market. We are setting records in both bean and corn yields. Farmers are reporting yields that they have never seen before! Soil moisture is adequate throughout the region with the few dry and wet spots. Cover crops are off to a great start. Troublesome weeds like glyphosate-resistant common ragweed and palmer amaranth are really showing up as beans are drying and the weeds are still green. Remember those fields for next year.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Shore

The harvest season is progressing with no major problems. Corn is approximately 60% harvested. Soybean is drying down and ready to start harvest within the next week if the weather cooperates. Wheat and barley planting will begin soon. However, the ground is harder than desired at the moment due to lack of rain. Cover crop planting is going well; we have had significant acreage aerially seeded and ground planting has begun.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

Conditions have been favorable for good progress on corn harvest. Yields are very good to excellent in most areas. Full season soybeans are mature and drying down. Some farmers started harvesting early-planted full season beans last week. Double crop soybeans are also looking very good. Vegetable harvest is winding up. The pumpkin and cucurbit crop is coming off now, with a decent pumpkin harvest this year. We did receive a report of alfalfa with second infestation of fall armyworm, assuming the next generation is now active.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

 

Frost Can Cause Hazards in Forage

Amanda Grev, Forage and Pasture Management Specialist | agrev@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension

With the first freeze of the fall just around the corner, remember that a frost can result in potential hazards for certain forages. When a plant freezes, changes occur in its metabolism and composition that can cause toxicity issues for livestock. A few issues to be on the lookout for are discussed below.

Prussic Acid Poisoning

Sorghum species like sorghum, sudangrass, sorghum-sudangrass hybrids, and johnsongrass contain a cyanogenic compound called dhurrin within the plant.  Under normal circumstances, the dhurrin is bound within plant tissues and remains non-toxic. However, if the plant tissue is injured by some sort of stressor such as a frost, the plant cell membranes can become damaged. This damage releases enzymes that can break down the dhurrin, resulting in the formation of a highly toxic hydrogen cyanide compound commonly referred to as prussic acid.

Prussic acid hinders the animal’s ability to transfer oxygen in the blood stream, resulting in asphyxiation. Ruminant animals are most susceptible, with a prussic acid concentration as small as 0.1% of dry tissue considered dangerous. Symptoms of prussic acid poisoning can appear within minutes following ingestion, with common symptoms including excessive salivation, difficulty breathing, staggering, convulsions, and collapsing. The greatest levels of prussic acid can be found in the leafier parts of the plant, particularly in new growth, and young, growing plants contain more prussic acid than older plants. To prevent prussic acid poisoning, follow these recommendations for grazing or harvesting frosted forages.

Grazing: Do not graze sorghum species on nights when a frost is likely, as high levels of the toxic compounds are produced within hours following a frost. After a killing frost, wait at least 7 to 10 days before grazing or green chopping forage, as prussic acid levels are highest in plant leaves and do not begin to decline until after the leaves have dried. After a non-killing frost, do not allow livestock to graze until the regrowth has reached a minimum of 2 feet in height or 2 weeks have passed, as the regrowth will likely contain high levels of prussic acid. When returning to grazing, don’t turn animals in hungry and use a heavier stocking rate and rotational grazing to reduce the risk of animals selectively grazing leaves or young growth that may still have higher concentrations of prussic acid present.

Harvesting: Proper field curing or ensiling can help reduce the potential for toxicity in harvested forages because prussic acid is volatile and some of the toxic components will dissipate as a gas during the drying or fermentation process. Forages should be ensiled for a minimum of 8 weeks if there was a risk of high prussic acid levels at the time of chopping. The prussic acid content in hay can be reduced by as much as 75% during the curing process, so hay is typically not hazardous when fed to livestock. Forages can also be analyzed prior to feeding to ensure the toxic compounds have been reduced to a safe level for consumption.

Nitrate Toxicity

Sorghum species, along with several other species including millet, brassicas, oats, and other small grains, are susceptible to nitrate accumulation. Under normal growing conditions, nitrate from the soil is absorbed by the roots of forage plants and is supplied to the upper portions of the plant, where it is converted into plant protein. However, under adverse environmental conditions such as drought, frost, or sudden weather changes, plant growth ceases and metabolism slows but the plants continue to take up nitrogen from the soil, resulting in a buildup of nitrates within the plant. Nitrate levels will remain high until there is new leaf growth, which increases photosynthesis and provides energy to utilize the excess nitrate.

When livestock consume forages with normal nitrate levels, the nitrate is broken down by rumen microbes to nitrite and then further to ammonia, which is converted to protein. With high-nitrate forages, nitrites accumulate faster than they can be converted to ammonia, and the accumulated nitrite is absorbed into the bloodstream. Nitrite combines with hemoglobin to produce methemoglobin, which is incapable of transporting oxygen, ultimately leading to asphyxiation. Symptoms of nitrate toxicity are related to a lack of oxygen in the blood and include weakness, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, staggering, muscle tremors, and inability to stand. Affected animals typically show signs of poisoning within a few hours after consumption, and ruminant animals are most susceptible due to the rapid conversion of nitrate to nitrate by rumen microorganisms.

Nitrate levels are typically measured as nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) on a parts per million (ppm) basis. Levels under 550 ppm NO3-N are typically considered safe to feed for all classes of livestock. Levels between 550 and 1100 ppm NO3-N may cause problems in pregnant and young animals, and levels between 1100 and 2200 ppm NO3-N are typically considered toxic and should be fed with caution. Levels above 2200 ppm NO3-N are likely unsafe to feed. Unlike prussic acid, which accumulates in the leafiest portion of the plant, nitrates tend to accumulate in the lower portion of the stem and stalks. To prevent nitrate poisoning, follow these recommendations for grazing or harvesting frosted forages.

Grazing: Avoid grazing susceptible forages when growth ceases due to drought, frost damage, or other adverse conditions. When grazing forages with suspected nitrate accumulation, introduce and acclimate livestock gradually. Feeding a low-nitrate forage or hay prior to turning livestock out onto high-nitrate forages will reduce the amount of nitrate consumed; avoid turning hungry livestock out onto a high-nitrate field. Graze high-nitrate forages in the afternoon when nitrate levels tend to be the lowest, and stock lightly so animals can selectively graze the leaves which are lower in nitrate concentration.

Harvesting: Delaying harvest until stress conditions have passed will help to lower nitrate levels within the forage and prevent toxicity. Because nitrates accumulate in the base of the plant, risk can also be reduced by cutting higher and leaving more stubble. The ensiling process can reduce nitrate concentrations by 30 to 60% following complete fermentation due to microbial degradation. However, nitrate concentrations are stable in cured hay so use caution if the forage must be baled and leave at least 12 inches of stubble to avoid baling the most toxic part of the plant.

Like with prussic acid, forages can be analyzed for nitrate concentrations prior to feeding. If forages are known to have higher than ideal nitrate levels, diluting the forage by incorporating a low-nitrate forage into the diet will reduce the overall nitrate consumption by the animal. Introducing the toxic forage slowly will help animals adapt, as well as feeding small amounts frequently rather than one large feeding. Increasing the energy content in the ration by offering a grain or high-carbohydrate feed can also help by enhancing metabolism in the rumen and aiding in the conversion of nitrates to protein, helping livestock to better tolerate higher nitrate levels in their diet.

Bloat Potential

Frothy bloat is the most common type of pasture bloat and results from the formation of a stable foam in the rumen that minimizes the animal’s ability to expel rumen gases. Consumption of forages containing high levels of soluble protein, such as alfalfa and clover, can contribute to stable foam production. Livestock suffering from bloat may indicate discomfort by stomping their feet or kicking at their belly. They will appear distended on the left side, and may die within hours.

Following a frost, plant cells rupture, producing small plant cell wall fragments and increasing the amount of K, Ca, and Mg present, all of which can increase the risk of bloat. Be aware that forage with bloat potential can be more likely to cause bloat for a few days following a frost event. If grazing pastures with high concentrations of bloat-inducing species like alfalfa or clover, waiting a few days to a week following a hard frost is a good management practice to reduce the risk of bloat.

2020-2021 Forage Performance of Cereal Cover Crops in Maryland

Dr. Nicole Fiorellino – Extension Agronomist
Louis Thorne – Faculty Specialist
Joseph Crank – Agriculture Technician Supervisor

Click here to download a pdf copy

Dairy farmers are constantly looking for sources of forage to meet their feed needs. One source that many of our region’s dairy farmers utilize is the fall planting of cereal grains that are green-chop harvested the following spring. Among the cereal species used for this purpose are rye, triticale, barley, and wheat. Per the Maryland Cover Crop Program guidelines, cereal grains planted as a cover crop prior to November 5 and suppressed via green-chop in the spring are eligible for the grant payment for participation in the Cover Crop Program.  In addition, per the Nutrient Management Regulations, a fall application of dairy manure is allowed to a field planted to a cereal cover crop.

Planting a cereal cover crop that will be green chop harvested fits well into the crop rotation used by many dairy farmers. The scenario that many follow is to plant the cereal cover crop following harvest of corn silage. Prior to planting the cover crop, an application of manure is made to the field. The subsequent planting of the cover crop provides incorporation of the manure into the soil. The fall and spring growth of the cover crop is supplied nutrients from the manure. At the same time, the cover crop provides protection to the soil from loss of nutrients via leaching and/or erosion. The objective of this study was to evaluate select varieties of cereal species for cover crop performance and forage production and quality.

Cereal varieties (26) representing three species (rye, triticale, wheat) were evaluated at Central Maryland Research and Education Center – Clarksville Facility. Three replications for each entry were planted using a randomized complete block experimental design.  Planting date was November 5, 2020. Planting was delayed in 2020 due to multiple large rain events that kept equipment out of the field. The 3’ X 18’ plots were planted with a small plot planter with 6-inch spacing between each of the 7 rows. The germination percentage for each entry was used to calculate the seeding rate needed to establish 1.5 million seedlings. Good stands were established in most plots by late fall.

Our goal each year is to time spring biomass harvest with when entries reach late boot to early heading stage of development. We reached this growth stage from late April to mid May in 2021, with three harvest dates to capture the variation in maturity (April 20, May 4, May 14). Each harvest sample was collected by cutting the plants just above ground-level from three center rows of each plot from an area 2.5 feet in length and from two areas within the plot. The samples were placed into cloth bags and dried using a forced air dryer set at 60o C where they remained until sample water content was zero. Each sample was weighed and is reported as pounds of dry matter production per acre (Table 1). Each of the dried samples was ground through a 20-mesh screen using a large plant grinder and the ground biomass samples were sent to Cumberland Valley Analytical Laboratory for standard forage quality analysis.

Cover crop performance is measured by amount of biomass produced and the concentration of nitrogen (N) in the biomass. These two factors were used to estimate N uptake (Table 1). Despite late planting 2020, all varieties amassed good biomass during the growing season. Nitrogen uptake in 2021 was lower than in 2020, but still good, with only two varieties significantly different from the overall mean (one greater, one less). Several forage quality characteristics for these cereals were measured (Table 1). The descriptions of the various quality characteristics are described here and in the footnotes at the bottom of Table 1. Crude protein (CP) is the N content of the forage, with higher protein representing better feed quality. This value was used to calculate nitrogen uptake of each variety (Nitrogen content = % CP/6.25). Three rye varieties (Aroostook, TriCal Exp 19R01, and the check variety) had significantly greater CP than overall mean, with two triticale varieties (BCT 19004 and Hi Octane) having significantly less CP than the overall mean. Both Aroostook and TriCal Exp 19R01 also had soluble protein and rumen degradable protein (RDP) significantly greater than the overall mean.

Neutral and acid detergent fiber (NDF, ADF) are measures of feed value and represent the less digestible components of the plant, with NDF representing total fiber and ADF representing the least digestible plant components. Low NDF and ADF values representing increased digestibility; ideally NDF values should be <50% and ADF values should be <35%. Our plots were slightly more mature than ideal this year, with overall mean NDF of 60.2% and ADF of 36%. Despite this, one rye variety (KWS Propower) had ADF significantly less than the mean and both Aroostook and TriCal Exp 19R01 had ADF numerically less than 35%, although they likely would have ADF similar to the overall mean of 36%. Aroostook and TriCal Exp 19R01 also had total digestible nutrients (TDN), net energy for lactation (NEL) significantly greater than the overall mean, indicating good performing varieties. Some good performing wheat varieties included LW2068 and LW2958, which had lower ADF values, low NDF values, high TDN and NEL.

The characteristic that best captures the overall forage quality performance is Relative Feed Value (RFV). An RFV of 100 is defined as the forage value that full bloom alfalfa would have. Two triticale varieties (KWS Propower and Aroostook) had RFV significantly greater than the overall mean (95.0) and over 100. TriCal Exp 19R01 had RFV similar to the overall mean, but combined with the other forage quality factors indicate a good performing triticale variety. Three wheat varieties (LW2068, LW2958, Pioneer 25R25) had RFV significantly greater than the overall mean, and combined with other forage quality factors, indicate good performing wheat varieties.

Though none of these green-chop cereal forages are considered to be adequate as a stand-alone feed for a dairy operation, they can supply a source of forage used in a total mixed ration at the time of year when feed supply may be running short. When this forage benefit is added to the environmental benefit that is gained, planting winter cereal cover crops on a dairy farm can be a win-win decision.

Acknowledgements

This work could not be accomplished without the assistance and oversight of all field operations by Mr. Louis Thorne and Mr. Joseph Crank. We acknowledge the assistance of Ms. Shana Burke with seed packaging and harvested sample drying and weighing.

Table 1. Forage and cover crop performance of cereal species evaluated in Clarksville, MD during 2020-2021 growing season.

Variety Species Brand Biomass Yield

lb DM/a

 Head

Date

 1Nitrogen

Uptake

lb N/a

 2Crude

Protein %

 3Soluble Protein

% DM

 4RDP

% DM

 5ADF

% DM

 6NDF

% DM

 7Ash

% DM

 8Total

Digestible

Nutrients

% DM

 9Net

Energy

Lactation

(Mcal/lb)

 10RFV
Wheeler Rye TriCal 13241 May 9 266* 12.5 6.0 9.3 38.5 60.7 6.2 60.1 0.61 90.0
Hazlet Rye TriCal 10736 May 6 202 11.5 4.9 8.2 36.4 61.3 6.8 60.1 0.61 92.2
KWS Propower Rye TriCal 9412 May 9 182 12.5 6.9* 9.7* 32.2 57.5 6.5 62.8* 0.64* 104.2*
Aroostook Rye TriCal 8117# April 25 211 16.7* 7.0* 11.9* 34.7 55.4 8.6* 62.1 0.63 104.5*
TriCal Exp 19R01 Rye TriCal 8251 April 25 197 14.8* 6.8* 10.8* 34.2 57.4 7.3 62.0 0.63 101.0
Rye VNS Rye check 10065 May 4 240 15.1* 5.5 10.3* 35.4 55.8 7.9* 61.8 0.63 102.5
Rye Mean 9970 May 3 216 13.9 6.2 10.0 35.2 58.0 7.2 61.5 0.63 99.1
TriCal Gunner Triticale TriCal 11936 May 14 176 9.2 4.2 6.7 39.1* 63.6* 7.2 58.2 0.59 85.7
TriCal Exp 20T02 Triticale TriCal 12531 May 14 186 9.3 3.1 6.2 37.2 62.1 6.1 59.4 0.60 90.0
TriCal Flex 719 Triticale TriCal 12329 May 14 205 10.4 5.4 7.9 41.7* 65.8* 7.0 56.2 0.57 80.0
TriCal Merlin Max Triticale TriCal 14641* May 14 233 9.9 5.7 7.8 41.4* 65.5* 6.4 56.0 0.57 81.0
TriCal Surge Triticale TriCal 10535 May 14 188 11.1 5.1 8.1 37.0 61.0 6.9 57.9 0.59 92.0
TriCal Gainer 154 Triticale TriCal 10458 May 6 176 10.4 4.2 7.3 32.7 58.0 6.9 61.8 0.63 101.7
TriCal Thor Triticale TriCal 12646 May 14 196 9.7 4.8 7.2 39.9* 64.6* 6.8 57.8 0.59 84.0
BCT18001 Triticale SeedLink 8817 May 6 172 12.4 4.6 8.5 33.0 55.6 7.3 63.6* 0.65* 106.0*
BCT18002 Triticale SeedLink 11878 May 14 186 9.9 5.3 7.6 38.3 64.5* 7.1 56.6 0.57 85.5
BCT19003 Triticale SeedLink 13001 May 14 204 9.8 3.5 6.6 36.3 61.5 5.5 60.1 0.61 92.0
BCT19004 Triticale SeedLink 15064* May 14 208 8.6 3.7 6.1 42.6* 67.6* 5.5 55.9 0.57 77.0
BCT19005 Triticale SeedLink 12406 May 14 209 10.7 5.5 8.1 35.5 61.9 5.9 60.2 0.61 92.2
BCT19007 Triticale SeedLink 13500 May 14 199 9.2 3.3 6.2 37.4 62.7 6.9 58.3 0.59 88.7
MBX Tri-Cow Arcia Triticale Eddie Mercer 11849 May 6 242 12.8 5.6 9.2 35.7 60.8 7.4 60.5 0.62 93.5
Hi Octane Triticale check 10957 May 14 139 8.1 4.1 6.1 40.2* 63.5 6.5 57.0 0.58 85.2
Triticale Mean 12170 May 12 195 10.1 4.5 7.3 37.9 62.6 6.6 58.6 0.60 89.0
LW2169 Wheat Local Seed 10554 May 14 172 10.2 4.7 7.5 33.9 58.6 5.2 61.9 0.63 99.3
LW2148 Wheat Local Seed 10410 May 14 180 10.8 5.1 8.0 32.0 56.7 6.0 61.3 0.63 105.5*
LW2068 Wheat Local Seed 12300 May 14 205 10.4 5.8 8.1 30.7 54.4 5.7 63.2* 0.65* 111.5*
LW2958 Wheat Local Seed 10679 May 14 172 10.2 4.7 7.4 30.1 45.6 5.8 63.8* 0.66* 111.2*
P25R25 Wheat check 11274 May 14 177 9.8 4.8 7.3 30.0 53.3 5.8 64.1 0.66* 115.0*
Wheat Mean 11069 May 14 182 10.3 5.0 7.7 31.2 55.4 5.7 62.9 0.64 109.0
Overall Mean 11454 May 10 197 11.0 5.0 8.0 36.0 60.2 6.6 60.1 0.61 95.0
LSD0.1 2257 <1 day 47 1.9 1.8 1.6 3.1 3.4 1.1 2.4 0.03 8.8

*,# Indicates the entry was either significantly greater (*) or significantly (#) less than the overall mean for that feed characteristic.

1Nitrogen uptake (lb N/acre) for each entry was estimated by multiplying the lb DM/ac X % nitrogen contained in the DM. The percent nitrogen for each entry was calculated by dividing crude protein by the conversion factor 6.25 which is the average amount of nitrogen (%) contained in protein.

2Crude Protein %: represents total nitrogen content of the forage; higher protein is usually associated with better feed quality.

3Soluble Protein %: non-protein N and portion of true proteins that are readily degraded to ammonia in the rumen.

4RDP (Rumen Degradable Protein): portion of crude protein that microbes can either digest or degrade to ammonia and amino acids in the rumen.

5ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber): represents the least digestible fiber portion of forage; the lower the ADF value the greater the digestibility.

6NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber): insoluble fraction of forage used to estimate the total fiber constituents of a feedstock.

7Ash: mineral elements of the forage.

8TDN (Total Digestible Nutrients): measure of the energy value of the forage.

9Net Energy Lactation: estimate of the energy in a feed used for maintenance plus lactation during milk production.

10RFV (Relative Feed Value): indicates how well an animal will eat and digest a forage if it is fed as the only source of energy.

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: September 2021

Crop reports are for conditions up to September 2, 2021.

Western Maryland

Welcome rains have come to the area. Too late for some crops but late beans, hay, and fall crops will enjoy the drink. Corn silage harvest has been going on since early August with some of the crop drought-stressed in some areas of the county. Rain patterns all summer were scattered and erratic. At this writing, the remnants of Ida are replenishing soil moisture.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland

As I’m writing this, Ida is giving us what might be the first county-wide rainfall; most rainfall to date has been scattered across the region, leaving parts of the area drier than others. Our usual soybean insect pests are munching away in soybean fields; however, soybeans can withstand a fair amount of leaf defoliation before a spray threshold is reached. Scout fields for leaf defoliation and/or pod damage in order to determine if the threshold has been reached. Traps for fall armyworm and western bean cutworm near Poolesville have remained empty. Recent rainfall has greatly improved double crop beans and brought a lot of drought and heat stress corn back around just in time for grain fill. Folks were really starting to get going with corn silage harvest before the Tropical storm shut them down. I’ve heard from some Extension colleagues a little further south and they are experiencing the largest infestation of armyworms in years. I received a report of one field of Teff grass being severely defoliated by armyworms just this week. Although we aren’t capturing many in traps we should keep an eye out for this destructive pest.—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co. & Jarette Hurry, Frederick Co.

Northern Maryland

The past 2-3 weeks have been very hot and humid and has really driven accelerated maturity of corn and soybeans, especially in pockets of the region that did not receive as much rain over the summer and on lighter soils; I think it’s likely taken some yield off the top of the corn crop and some soybeans. Double crop soybeans have put on a lot of growth and are looking good; hopefully the September weather will favor good pod fill. Corn silage harvest started about two weeks ago. The heat stress has also brought out a lot of symptoms related to stem diseases in soybean, as well as fall armyworm in hay fields (and lawns). Corn for grain is nearly all dented and the earliest at black layer. With the recent heat, corn grain harvest should start in a couple weeks.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper & Mid Shore

Soil moisture is adequate in most areas and surplus in a few areas. Corn harvest will begin next week. Cover crop seeding is well underway and the early seeded cover crops are off to a great start. Most farmers are anxious to get combines moving as the crop looks good. Soybeans are tall and filling out well. There are areas of sudden death syndrome showing up in many fields as would be expected with recent weather patterns. Hay fields still look good, but we have not been blessed with good haymaking conditions.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Shore

Corn is looking good and approaching black layer. Soybean looks great and pods are beginning to fill. We have had adequate rain in most places, even while storms have been somewhat sporadic. Herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth is apparent in many fields. Now is the time to walk the fields to pull mature Palmer plants. There have been no reports of major insect pest or disease outbreaks in grain crops. It’s looking like it will be a strong yield for grain yields.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

The region has received widespread rains in the last three weeks. Corn is in grain fill stages with earliest field’s ready for harvest any day now. Yields are expected to be good to very good. Rains helped soybean condition as well. Double crop beans have really responded well with excellent growth. Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) is now evident, with patches showing up mainly in full season beans. We are also seeing Phytophthora crown and root rot show up in fields. Insect and mite pressure remains low. Palmer amaranth, common waterhemp and common ragweed escapes are clearly visible now with seed heads waving from above the plant canopy. Annual grass hay is being cut for the second time. Cool season grass is beginning to respond to the moisture with growth resuming.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

Regional Crop Reports: August 2021

Reports are for crop conditions up until 8/5/2021.

Western Maryland

We had a great wheat harvest and many optimists planted double-crop beans. It has been very dry in most of the county. Depending on where in the county you are located is the difference between chopping corn now and admiring your crop. Hay will be in short supply so many will plant forage oats for fall forage. Full season beans are looking good most places. We will continue to pray for rain. —Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland

In general, Central Maryland has had a good combination of heat and rain, and the crops are looking great. Most of the region is close to or above the normal rainfall over the last 30 days. Fall armyworm and western bean cutworm traps near Poolesville have been empty this past month. Corn silage harvest will begin soon, especially if August turns up the heat.—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

Northern Maryland

We’ve been fortunate to have excellent pollination conditions over the past 3 weeks when the vast majority of the corn crop was pollinating. Temperatures were in the upper 80s and occasionally low 90s with frequent storms that brought timely moisture. The majority of the corn crop is looking above average. Full season soybeans are beginning to set pots and look good; some fields had very spotty emergence due to slug damage early; we will see what August brings in terms of rain to help make the bean crop. Double crops had good soil moisture to germinate and are off to a decent start. Insect and disease pest pressure in both corn and beans has been minimal so far. Small grain harvest wrapped up a couple of weeks ago with big wheat yields.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper Eastern Shore

Soil moisture levels are all over the board. Some areas have been receiving rains while others have not. None of the region is too wet. Therefore, corn and early bean yield predictions also vary, but not disastrous. Corn will be 100-250 bu/acre plus. Early beans will be 40-80 bu/acre plus. Later maturing beans still have a long ways to go. Corn leaf diseases have been expanding/moving up the plant in the last few weeks. Soybean diseases have been minimal, but foliage feeding insects are increasing. Luckily most of the beans have plenty of foliage and can withstand some feeding. Trouble weeds, especially the glyphosate resistant weeds are starting to outgrow beans and showing their ugly heads(growing points). As with past months, there has been good quality hay harvested.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Eastern Shore

Weather has been favorable and grain crops are looking good. Corn is around R3 reproductive stage. Full-season soybean is flowering. Deer are regularly observed grazing in soybean fields. Corn Earworm numbers are currently low. Herbicide-resistant weeds such as ragweed, marestail and Palmer amaranth are present and posing management challenges.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

The story this month is squarely focused on moisture. Temperatures across the region are reaching into the 90’s with sporadic isolated storms hitting here and there. Crops are now showing moisture stress. The corn crop is past pollination and approaching dough stage on earliest plantings. We could really use another rain to help fill corn out, but it’s looking to be at least an average crop. Soybeans are setting pods, with full season beans at R3-R5. We have not seen many pest outbreaks in beans yet. We are on the lookout for spider mites with the hot dry conditions. Cool season grasses are going dormant in the hot dry weather.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

Stockpiling Pasture for Fall and Winter Grazing

Amanda Grev, Forage and Pasture Management Specialist | agrev@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension

With August upon us, we may still be feeling the heat of the summer at the moment but whether or not we’re ready, cooler temperatures are just around the corner and it’s time to be thinking about winter feeding strategies. Using harvested forages for winter feed represents a substantial expense for livestock operations. For many grazing operations, stockpiling can be an effective strategy to extend forage resources further into the fall and winter season, reducing the costs associated with harvesting and storing feed and providing high-quality pasture for fall and winter grazing.

What is stockpiling?

The concept of stockpiling is simple. Rather than cutting, drying, and storing hay to feed over the winter, existing pastures are allowed to grow and accumulate forage in the field to be grazed by livestock in a later season. Under this management strategy, grazing animals are removed from pastures in late summer and forages are allowed to accumulate growth through the late summer and fall. The cool, late-season temperatures make it possible for the accumulation of high-quality forage even after an extended period of growth. This stockpiled forage is then available for grazing throughout the fall and winter months, reducing the costs associated with feeding stored feeds.

Which forages work best?

Although a number of different forages can be stockpiled, some forage species will hold their nutritional value longer than others in the winter months. Compared to other cool-season grasses, tall fescue is well adapted for stockpiling, as it has the ability to accumulate a substantial amount of fall growth and tolerate colder temperatures without losing quality. In addition, the waxy layer or cuticle on the leaves of tall fescue make the plant more resistant to frost damage or deterioration. Tall fescue also forms a good sod, making it more tolerant to foot traffic and minimizing impacts on its productivity the following season.

How is stockpiling accomplished?

Early August is the time to begin stockpiling for fall and winter grazing. To prepare for stockpiling, pastures should be grazed (or clipped) down to a 3 to 4 inch stubble height to ensure that the accumulated forage will come from new growth. After livestock are removed, 40 to 60 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer should be applied to stimulate additional regrowth and optimize forage accumulation and quality. The grasses should then be allowed to regrow until forage growth dramatically slows or ceases completely.

It should be noted that not all nitrogen fertilizers will be equally efficient when fertilizing pastures in the fall. In urea or urea-based fertilizers, the ammonia is volatile and a substantial amount of the nitrogen from these sources will be released to the atmosphere via volatilization when applied during the hot and humid days of late summer. To minimize this volatilization, these nitrogen sources should be applied immediately prior to a significant rainfall event. Ammonium nitrate is the most efficient source of nitrogen for stockpiling, but it is often more expensive than other sources.

Will yield and quality be good?

Where tall fescue was successfully stockpiled, yields of 1 to over 1.5 tons of dry matter per acre have been documented. Higher yields will be achieved if nitrogen is applied immediately after the last cutting or grazing compared to pastures that did not receive fertilization or were fertilized later in the fall.

Forage quality of stockpiled tall fescue can be very good. Depending on the amount of nitrogen applied, fall-grown tall fescue can average 12 to 18% protein and can maintain good nutritional value throughout the fall season. Research has demonstrated that stockpiled tall fescue has sufficient quality to carry dry cows through the winter and could carry lactating beef cows into January without additional supplementation. However, the forage quality and digestibility of stockpiled forages is variable and will decline as growth accumulates, forages mature, and winter conditions continue. To confirm nutritional value, forage samples should be taken and analyzed to ensure the pasture is meeting the nutritional requirements of the animals utilizing it.

How to utilize stockpiled forage?

Stockpiled forage can be valuable under a variety of grazing methods, but forage utilization can be increased substantially by using improved grazing practices. If livestock are allowed to continuously graze the entire pasture with unrestricted access, efficiency will be lower and the potential grazing period will be shortened due to waste and trampling damage. To minimize waste and get the most from stockpiled forage, pastures should be either rotationally or strip grazed. Strip grazing is a management system that involves giving livestock a fresh area of pasture every day or every few days by moving a temporary electric fence in the pasture. This method limits the area available for grazing, helping to increase pasture carrying capacity and maximize forage utilization.

Summary

Removing livestock and fertilizing pastures or hayfields in late summer will allow forage growth to be stockpiled for late fall and winter grazing. Utilization of stockpiled pasture is an economically-advantageous management strategy that will extend the grazing season, minimize winter hay feeding and stored feed requirements, and provide high-quality forage without negatively impacting the persistence of forage stands.

July IPM Insect Scouting Tips

Emily Zobel, Senior Agriculture Agent Associate | ezobel@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension, Dorchester County

Be sure to check all labels carefully before applying and combining insecticides and herbicides.

Soybean: Scout for the usual defoliators, including bean leaf beetle, Japanese beetle, and caterpillars. The treatment threshold is 15-20% defoliation for bloom to pod fill. Note that defoliation percentages should be based on the entire soybean plant or canopy, not just the top leaves or worst leaves. University of Nebraska Extension has a nice guide for defoliating insects in soybeans (https://croptechcafe.org/defoliating-insects-in-soybeans-thresholds-training-and-tools/).

Adult Dectes Stem Borer will be emerging over the next several weeks. Chemical control is not recommended since it would require multiple applications to reduce larval infestations, which is not economical. However, if a high number of adults are found, harvesting that field as soon as it matures will reduce losses associated with lodged plants.

Field Corn: At the start of silking, scout for Japanese beetles and stink bugs. For Japanese beetles, the treatment threshold is when there is less than ½ inch of silk and less than 50% pollination, and an average of 2 or more beetles per ear. For stink bugs, the threshold is 1 bug per 10 plants (V1 to V6), 1 bug per 8 plants (V14 to VT), and 1 bug per 4 plants (R1 to R2). Stink bugs and Japanese beetles are ‘edge’ pests, so treatment may only be needed around field edges and pivot tracks.

Alfalfa: Continue scouting for potato leafhoppers (PLH). Cutting will destroy many of the nymphs, and adults will often move elsewhere, but be sure to scout the regrowth. A rough threshold estimate is 20 PLH per 100 sweeps on alfalfa 3 inches or less in height, 50 PLH per 100 sweeps in 4-6 inch tall alfalfa, and 100 PLH per 100 sweeps in 7-11 inch tall alfalfa. A more precise threshold chart can be found on the Penn State Extension website https://extension.psu.edu/potato-leafhopper-on-alfalfa.

 

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: June 2021

Reports are for crop conditions up to June 3, 2021

Western Maryland

Corn and beans are all in the ground for the most part and the first cutting hay is in the barn. We received some welcome rain and cooler temperatures but it looks like the heat is coming back. That’s good for the corn as long as the rain showers continue. Wheat and barley are in full head and ripening nicely. Some alfalfa second cutting has been harvested and the rest will be soon.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Northern Maryland

For the most part, all corn and nearly all full-season soybeans are in the ground and coming along nicely. Earliest planted soybeans are around V4, earliest corn is close to V6 and sidedress nitrogen is starting along with post-emerge herbicides. Barley is ripening and wheat is looking good so far—still a bit too early to notice any head scab symptoms but the weather has been dry so scab should be fairly low this year. We received some very much-needed rain over Memorial Day. Prior to the rain it was perfect hay weather, and first cutting of alfalfa has been made. Triticale yields were reported to be very strong.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper & Mid Shore

We were getting dry before the Memorial Day weekend rain. Corn and beans are both off to a great start. Post emergent herbicide applications are under full swing. Corn is being sidedressed. Barley harvest will start Monday. Wheat still looks good with scab levels very low. Lots of high quality hay was made before last weeks’ rains.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Shore

Wheat has flowered and is drying down. Cover crops have been terminated, although some were saved for wheat harvest due to favorable spring growth. Corn has been planted, and is generally around VE to V3 stage. I’d estimate half of soybean acreage has been planted. The earliest planted beans are around V2. We had a couple of weeks of very dry weather, which caused some growers to pause planting. Over Memorial Day weekend, it rained 2-3”, which was much needed to recharge the soil profile. Herbicide-resistant weeds, such as common ragweed, marestail, and Palmer amaranth, are starting to emerge. Now is the time to spray these seedlings to stay ahead on control.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

The region experienced a dry spell in the last month but rains returned over the last couple of weeks. Corn growth continues to be behind most years with many variable fields. Most corn fields are exhibiting some yellowing chlorotic growth. I expect plants to green up soon with return of moisture and warmer growing conditions. We have had some issues with pre herbicide activity most likely due to limited moisture to activate herbicide in to the germination zone. Side-dress N applications have begun this week on corn. Full season soybean planting is wrapping up. Barley will be ready to come off any day. Wheat fields are beginning to yellow. Unfortunately, we continue to see increasing levels of ryegrass in wheat. This has been a tough year for killing ryegrass prior to planting corn and soybeans. Cooler weather and tank mixes may be limiting herbicide activity as well as some potential herbicide resistance. There was a lot of nice dry hay during the dry spell.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

List of University of Maryland Agronomy Faculty