|
|
Published July 04, 2008 11:35 am - A sure way to raise a good crop of weeds or cedars in Southeast Kansas is to use no fertilizer or legumes in fescue fields.
Farm: Legumes improve forage quality
By Mike Surbrugg
msurbrugg@joplinglobe.com
MOUND VALLEY, Kan. — A sure way to raise a good crop of weeds or cedars in Southeast Kansas is to use no fertilizer or legumes in fescue fields.
Two speakers at a beef and forage field day held May 1 at Kansas State University’s Southeast Agricultural Research Center’s Mound Valley unit discussed fertilizer and legumes.
Doug Shoup, KSU area extension crops and soils specialist, said KSU recommendations for phosphorus and potassium fertilizer on pastures are a good investment even with soaring fertilizer costs.
Only a soil test can determine how much lime, phosphorus and potassium is needed, he said. Soil test details can be obtained at county extension offices.
Nitrogen is needed for plant growth each growing season.
“If you need grass, you need fertilizer. Using little nitrogen means less forage,” he said.
For 30 years, studies in Southeast Kansas have shown the benefits of planting legumes in established fescue fields.
Legumes make nitrogen available to the grass and at the same time improve forage quality, said Joe Moyer, forage agronomist at KSU’s Southeast Agricultural Research Center.
Studies also show red clover, bird’s-foot trefoil and alfalfa are the best legumes to plant in fescue in Southeast Kansas, he said.
Moyer also cited studies that show legumes have more benefits than using commercial nitrogen.
In a perfect world, bird’s-foot trefoil is an excellent legume, but it is difficult to get it established in fescue. Chemicals to slow fescue growth are needed to give trefoil a chance to become established, he said. Trefoil causes no animal bloating, survives drought and has shallow roots.
It is such a secret that some farmers got their first close look at bird’s-foot trefoil that was growing in a pot that Moyer brought to the meeting.
Mike Surbrugg is The Joplin Globe’s farm editor.
•
Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
|
|

: Special Offer For New Subscribers
:


 |
|
ORTHOPAEDIC
Specialist of the Four States is currently accepting applications for the following postiions: Physical Therapist, Occcu...>MORE
See all ads |
|
VOLKSWAGEN, 1998 BEETLE,
black, 5 speed, looks, runs and drives great, only 84,000 miles, $3400. 417-621-0850....>MORE
See all ads |
|
NO CREDIT
needed qualify for 0 down Own completely remodeled 3/2 16x80 single section manufacturered home, 2 acres, new front deck...>MORE
Deerfield Estates
in Carl Junction, prime building sites, reduced $10,000 each. 417-825-0052...>MORE
1995 16x72 2 BR, 2 BA,
fully furnished, all appliances, 1 owner, beautiful, smoke free, must move. $17,500. (417)423-2385....>MORE
NO CREDIT NEEDED QUALIFY
for 0 down Own completely remodeled 2/2 16x80 single section manufacturered home, 2 acres, trees, corner lot, large deck...>MORE
See all ads |
|
1993 KUBOTA 1560
lawn tractor, 42” cut with bagger, $800. (417)364-8231....>MORE
10 YEAR OLD BUCKSKIN
mare, 14-hands, broke for anyone, $750; miniature Jack and bred Jenny, $400 pair. (417)434-3700....>MORE
CRAFTSMAN
radial 10” arm saw; skil saw 7 1/4”; Singer Featherweight machine; clocks/pocket watches; 7.62-54 rifle, accessories; Ca...>MORE
BASS BOAT, 2005
Lowe aluminum, 17’, 2005 90 hp Mercury, 2006 trailer, excellent shape, low hours. $7,500. (417)776-8846 evenings or 417-...>MORE
TEA CUP
Chihuahua pup, female, shots, wormed. Information (417)843-2735...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|