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Showing posts from June, 2021

Alfalfa during drought

 Jared Goplen, Extension educator - crops, and Craig Sheaffer, Professor, Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics Overview A recently harvested alfalfa plant will become dormant if subject to drought and high temperatures. It will survive several months of dormancy and resume regrowth when moisture conditions are favorable. Photo: C.C Sheaffer. High temperatures combined with drought have affected establishment and growth of alfalfa. The extent of drought conditions are shown on the U.S drought monitor .  Alfalfa seed that has been planted and not yet germinated will survive in the soil during drought and can germinate when rainfall occurs. Newly established seedlings are very susceptible to drought because their root systems are inadequate. Drought and high temperatures will not kill established alfalfa but will cause it to go dormant. Dormant alfalfa will recover following rainfall or irrigation. Alfalfa stands that are drought stressed but ready for harvest should be ...

Field Notes: Sidedressing nitrogen in corn

On Wednesday, June 2, University of Minnesota Extension's weekly  Field Notes  webinar featured an in-depth discussion on sidedressing nitrogen in corn. Extension nutrient management specialists and educators discussed sidedress considerations for this year, research on sidedressing manure, and more. Listen to the episode Guests: Dan Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist Fabian Fernandez, Extension nitrogen management specialist Melissa Wilson, Extension manure management specialist Jeff Vetsch, Researcher at the Southern Research and Outreach Center Additional resources: The time to sidedress nitrogen is now  (May 28, 2021) Are split applications of nitrogen fertilizer in Minnesota worth it?  (June 1, 2021) Should you add inhibitors to your sidedress nitrogen application? (June 2020) Nutrient Management Podcast: Post-planting management of nitrogen (April 2019) Fertilizing corn in Minnesota What is Field Notes? An all-new weekly crops program from...