Weather and its Impact on Forage Quality

   The mid-Atlantic region has received its share of moisture and heat this growing season.  Differing amounts of moisture have created the opportunity for increased tonnage.  It has also been reported that the New England region has suffered from excessive amounts of moisture, resulting in crop loss. 

   Agri Analysis has evaluated the situation by assaying forage for its nutritional qualities and have now documented a decline in the overall quality of incoming hay crops.

   Specifically, legume crops have displayed trends where the mineral uptake into the plant is declining.  An example of this is calcium.  The level of calcium detected has fallen and is approaching the 1.00% level on a dry matter basis.  Normal Ca levels in pure alfalfa range from 1.00 to 1.40% on a dry matter basis.  It is also to be noted that the protein levels are also falling.  Protein is running in the mid-teens when it should be ranging from the upper-teens to the low twenties on a dry matter basis.

   Higher amounts of rain, as well as the optimum growing season, have depleted the nutrient levels in the soil. 

Back to Top of Page

Cornstalk Testing to Evaluate Nitrogen Levels

   Nitrogen management in 2006 has certainly been a challenge.  For those of you that suspect a problem or want to manage nitrogen for yield purpose, the end of season cornstalk nitrogen test is available.  It is important to understand that at the end of the growing season, corn removes nitrogen in the form of nitrate from the bottom of the corn stalk.  Stalk sampling can be done anytime between the ¼ milk line stage of the grain up to 3 weeks after the grain forms a black layer.  For fields taken for silage, this would be done just before silage harvest. 

   The portion of the stalk sampled is the 8 inch segment of stalk found 6 - 14 inches above the soil line.  Once the samples have been taken, cut them into 1 - 2 inch sections and ship to Agri Analysis ASAP.  The nitrate level, as well as interpretation, will be posted on the report.

Interpretation of Corn Stalk Nitrate Concentrations

• Low < 700ppm - Nitrogen likely limited yield and management should be evaluated to determine why it was inadequate.

• Optimal 700 - 2000ppm - Nitrogen was adequate but not excessive for optimum economic yields in this field.

• Excessive >2000ppm - Nitrogen in the field was in excess of what is needed for optimum economic yields.  You should determine why the N supply was excessive.

Back to Top of Page

Soil Sampling

   Soil sampling is a program that is to be practiced each year.  This year, 2006, should be approached a little different for hay crops; sample after the 4^th cut or early enough to apply a fall application of fertilizer.  The removal of plant nutrients from the soil by both the production of tonnage and physical factors, such as leaching due to rainfall, will weaken the plants ability to over-winter.  Replenishing the root systems is of the utmost importance.   

   A typical approach to soil sampling is to sample one third of a growers fields each year. One may consider sampling additional fields to insure the plant nutrients have been replenished.  Corn that may yield an additional 3 to 5 tons of silage or 20 bushels of corn per acre, need additional nutrients applied for the 2007 crop.

   Samples will not be processed unless accompanied by the proper paperwork.  Soil request forms can be downloaded from our website in the “Resources” section.

Back to Top of Page

Keys to Silage Harvest Success  

   The single most important condition for proper corn silage harvest is the moisture of the entire plant. Trials have shown that the best performance for corn silage is to have moisture levels at 65 – 70 percent.  Each variety of corn has specific guidelines for harvesting and for producing the best quality.  Using the provided moisture levels will insure maximum quality, given the variety.

   However, visually looking at a corn plant to determine the moisture level can prove inaccurate.  Start assessing the moisture level by looking at the kernel.  If the grain begins to dent, this is a sign that the sugar levels in the grain are beginning to change into starch.  The kernel will then actually begin to shrink.  The best way to determine the moisture level is to take a representative sample of the stalks, shred them and send them to Agri Analysis for testing.  A word of caution; once the ear starts to dent the plant will dry down fast.

   Processing silage is important in that it allows the grower to maximize the nutritive potential for feeding.  On a more mature crop of silage, the goal is to break the kernel and cob to assist in the rate of digestion. 

2006 will go down as a season of early plantings.  The old saying, “knee high by the 4^th of July”, was dwarfed this year; the corn was 9’ tall by the 4^th of July.  Silage harvest is just around the corner.

Optimum Moisture Levels for Storing Silage

Back to Top of Page

Manure Nutrient Management

   The Mid-Atlantic States have experienced better than average weather patterns.  The higher than normal rates of moisture and temperatures have resulted in better than normal tonnage output per acre in hay crop stands this year.  

   To date, the corn stands look good to excellent.  Silage tonnage should be better than expected.  Growers should also experience a better than average bushel per acre.  

   Take the time to discuss with the grower his manure program.  Manure not only adds plant nutrients, it also adds organic matter and helps to condition the soil.  

Back to Top of Page