Field Crop News at Penn State

Field Crop News

Website Address: http://fcn.agronomy.psu.edu/

October 15, 2004    Vol. 04:12

IN THIS ISSUE:

Mark Your Calendar

Weather Outlook

Production

Pest Management

Agents Corner

WEATHER OUTLOOK

After one of the wettest Septembers on record, the spigot was turned off as the new month began. Most sections of the state have received less than a quarter of an inch of rainfall through October 14th. This all changed on Friday, October 15th as a potent disturbance from the Deep South drenched much of the region with about an inch of rain (some eastern counties got much more) and this brought October back into the plus column for month-to-date rainfall. The 90 day period from July 1-September 30 was the wettest on record in the central and northeast sections of the state.

A feel of early winter will be in the air on October 16-18th as brisk winds usher in the chilliest air mass of the season. Even the first snow showers will be noticed in the northwestern and central mountains. Measurable snow will be restricted to elevations above 1,800 feet. A steady warming trend during the week of October 18-22 will be interrupted by two or three episodes of showers (keeping the month close to or above normal rainfall). A spell of late autumn warmth is expected between October 22-25 before another turn to very cool conditions near the end of the month. Early indications point to a milder than average (yet wet) November and the prospects of a very cold winter are growing.

Paul Knight, PGK2@psu.edu
Pennsylvania State Climatologist

PRODUCTION

ON-FARM PASTURE RENOVATION PROJECT OFF TO A GOOD START

A view of the fron of a no-till drill and the spray boom with the nozzles centered on each row.

Pasture management on numerous northern Pennsylvania farms is not very intensive. As a result, forage quantity and quality are often well below the potential for these sites. Several extension educators in the region have observed that improvements in the forage and animal productivity on many of these farms should be realized with the introduction of some of the newer forage species and varieties. However, before grazers spend much time or money on pasture improvement, they need to have confidence that these selections will overwinter and perform well enough to justify that expense. A series of on-farm plantings were made during mid and late August 2004 to begin to answer those and other questions.

Local extension educators Dave Hartman, Craig Williams, and Mark Madden identified seven farms in five counties willing to participate in an evaluation of 20 grass and legume forages. Locations include Tioga, Bradford, Susquehanna, Columbia, and Union counties. Grazing animals will include dairy and beef cattle and sheep. Along with evaluations of the newer forages, band applications of glyphosate are being compared with broadcast applications of the same herbicide. There is interest among growers in not completely killing existing vegetation during renovation. Successfully banding herbicide can result in reduced herbicide cost, reduced downtime until pastures can be regrazed after seeding, and reduced soil erosion potential through maintaining some living sod on the site at all times. A no-till drill was fitted with a spray boom directly ahead of the double-disk openers. Nozzles with a 40 degree spray angle were used to apply a three to four-inch band of glyphosate centered on each row. To broadcast the herbicide, 110-degree nozzles were used on the same boom.

Water sprayed from 40-degree angle nozzles onto driveway.

Early visits to the new seedings are yielding many observations. They include:

  1. Inability of glyphosate alone to control the often-present white clover in many pastures.
  2. Tall growth present at time of banding herbicide results in nearly total kill of vegetation because leaves of plants that are outside the band laid within the spray zone and are also treated.
  3. Although broadcast applications kill most plants present, the dense dead sod should be more than adequate to protect soil and minimize soil erosion (even when blasted by the remnants of hurricanes.)
  4. Grass species emerged and established at different rates. Of the species included in these seedings, the ranking from fastest to slowest to establish are: Perennial ryegrass > festulolium (crosses between ryegrasses and fescues) > tall fescue = meadow fescue > meadow brome > orchardgrass.
  5. 5. Of the legumes included, from fastest to slowest to establish: Alfalfa > birdsfoot trefoil > ladino white clover >>> kura clover (kura was not seen several weeks after planting).
A comparison of banded and broadcast applications of gyphosate on pasture in Tioga County. Picture take 5 days after spraying and drilling of new seed.

Ron Hoover, rjh7@psu.edu
On-farm research coordinator
Crop and Soil Sciences

PENN STATE STUDIES TRANSITION TO ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

The demand for organic produce, milk and dairy products are on the rise, but growers and producers are facing challenges entering into this growing market. Researchers at Penn State are looking to address some of these challenges through new research at the Penn State Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs in State College, Pa.

The National Organic Program regulates organic products and establishes standards that all organic growers must follow. They include specific methods, practices and substance used in both producing and handling organic products. All agricultural products labeled, or represented as organic must be in compliance with the regulations as of October 2002.

Weed management practices that comply with the national organic standards is a priority for a large number of growers nationally and is consistently listed near the top of organic and reduced-use pesticide grower's pest management concerns, says Mary Barbercheck, professor of entomology at Penn State and co-principle investigator of the project. "Weed management is one of the primary pest management challenges for organic producers. Our project will focus on weed management using integrated pest management tactics while transitioning ten acres to an organic feed grain production," says Barbercheck. The project will examine the effects of cover cropping and soil management on weed populations. We are taking a very inter-disciplinary approach - other Penn State faculty investigators are Andy Hulting, Dave Mortensen, Heather Karsten and Sjoerd Duiker, from the Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences, Elsa Sánchez from Horticulture, Jeff Hyde from Agricultural Economics, and Nancy Ellen Kiernan from Cooperative Extension.

According to David Mortensen, professor of weed ecology at Penn State, the effect of these weed-reduction tactics on soil quality, pest and beneficial invertebrates and economic indicators will also be measured. In addition, education and outreach programs and materials will be developed and delivered to a broad audience, including students, technology transfer agents, and the general public through field days at the site, organic training and using materials in classes at Penn State. "The project will provide information that will support farmers transitioning to organic production and those interested in reducing pesticides. Identifying tactics for farmers to produce high value organic crops, for example - organic animal feed grains -- may help growers provide sufficient income to support families on relatively small and medium-sized farms," Mortensen explains. In addition to effects on weeds, effects of the transition on insects and soil biological and physical characteristics are being evaluated.

According to Barbercheck, this project will help build and strengthen collaborative relationships among faculty, the transitioning and organic farming community, and organizations that represent organic and sustainable agriculture. "We have a seven member advisory board comprised of area farmers and farmer groups as part of the project," she says. "We are very fortunate that we have the cooperation of advisory board members who have a lot of information to share on organic farming. Members of the project's advisory board are: Leslie Zuck, PA Certified Organic; Jeff Moyer, The Rodale Institute; Brian Snyder, Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture; Lyn Garling, PA IPM Program; Craig Altemose, Centre Co. Cooperative Extension; Kore Yoder, Bev-R-Lane Farms; Bucky Ziegler, Paradise Valley Organic Farm; and Preston Yoder from Belleville. In addition, Scott Smiles, Scott Harkcom, and their crew at the research farm have provided incredible support on field operations. Technician Cathy Nardozzo in entomology is key in organizing the lab crew and making sure all the records are kept and data are processed."

One of five grants awarded in 2003 by the USDA IPM-Organic Transition Program, the project will be funded for four years. The first year started with the planting of cover crops in the late Fall of 2003. Corn and soybeans will follow the initial year's cover crops.

Ultimately, the project will establish certified organic land at the center that will serve as a resource for interdisciplinary research, education and outreach activities and will increase the level of awareness of university faculty, staff and students, and the general public about organic production. It is part of a sustainable and organic effort that is ongoing at Penn State. "We've already had a few classes from Penn State visit the plots, and the plots were on the Ag Progress Days bus tour," says Andy Hulting, post-doctoral researcher and project director. "We're planning more extension-oriented activities as the experiment progresses."

Mary Barbercheck, meb34@psu.edu
Entomology

ORGANIC CORN AND SOYBEANS FOR EXCEPTIONAL ORGANIC MILK

On Friday, August 27, Kore Yoder and his family graciously hosted a PASA field day at their Bev-R-Lane Farm in Lewisburg, PA. The Yoder's farm 300 acres organically, growing corn, soybeans, small grain and pasture and producing organic milk. According to Kore, the key to organic crop production is crop rotation and effective timing of cultivation for pest management. "Getting the weeds when they are small is the most important, "reported Kore. As an additional crop in his corn-soybean rotation, Kore includes fall-seeded spelt or other small grains to help reduce weed pressure. He likes spelt because of the large amount of straw that it produces. Kore frost seeds medium red clover into the spelt, and plows down the clover to provide nutrients to the corn which follows spelt. Other fertility sources include poultry litter and dairy manure, and when needed in corn, Fertrell products. Kore sows Italian ryegrass into corn for silage, which is grazed after the corn is harvested until the following Spring, when it is turned under before planting soybeans. "Soil quality is key," said Kore. "We have about 2 to 2.5% organic matter and lots of earthworms." Kore related a story about pulling up a growing corn plant and counting over 130 earthworms in the soil from around the roots. Although the crops are rotated, some pastures are permanent. Heifers are grazed on the permanent pastures, while cows are on grazing fields containing chicory, clover, rye, and orchard grass that are part of the crop rotation.

The Yoder's use their crops and hay to supplement the diet of the pastured dairy cows, but think that they will also have enough to sell off of the farm this year. The Yoder's have a 44-stall barn and are currently milking 43 Holsteins and Holstein-Jersey crosses. The Yoder's market their organic milk through the Organic Valley Family of Farms Cooperative. Kore is enthusiastic about the farmer-owned, independent marketing coop. Organic Valley was started in 1988, by several small family farmers in Wisconsin. Currently, Organic Valley markets organic dairy products, eggs, meats, orange juice and soy produced exclusively by cooperative members. There are about 600 members in 17 states. The average herd size for farms belonging to Organic Valley is about 50 cows on just over 3 acres per cow. "The farmer members have a part in all the decisions made by the coop," said Kore, who takes part in a monthly conference call as a district representative.

When asked his advice to those thinking about transitioning to organic dairy production, Kore suggests a philosophy shift from a focus on production to a focus on profit. "Per cow production may be lower than in conventional production, but input costs, vet bills, and cull rates are lower for grass-based organic production." He averages about 6 lactations per cow and has a few cows that are 10 to 12 years old, and estimates that his replacement rate is at most 20%. When combined with price premiums for organic this translates to higher profits. In addition to a base price of $20, additional premiums are given for components and quality. Compared to conventional production, Kore thinks he spends more time on field operations but uses fewer inputs. One of his highest costs is seed. Kore suggests providing at least a half acre of pasture per cow to satisfy grazing requirements. He thinks that Spring would be the best time to transition, when pasture is most productive and promotes herd health. Consistent, high quality organic feed in winter keeps production stable. Kore stressed the importance of being willing to try new things because what works on one farm may not necessarily be the most effective way to do things on another farm. The Yoder's find a lot of satisfaction in being good stewards of the land, sharing their knowledge with other farmers and learning every day.

Mary Barbercheck, meb34@psu.edu
Entomology

GO BEYOND T MANAGE FOR C

This is a phrase you may hear more of in the years to come. It will be used by service agencies such as USDA-NRCS, Soil Conservation Districts, and Cooperative Extension as well as companies having products available to make it happen. What does it mean?

T stands for the tolerable soil loss level. It is a concept developed in the 1920s assuming that a certain level of soil loss is acceptable because soil is being formed from rock as we speak. Thus soil would maintain its productivity if the T level is met, but would gradually become less productive if soil loss exceeds T. Values of T for our soils range from about 3 to 5 tons/A/year. At the moment, USDA-NRCS designs conservation plans based on T. Most often these plans are based on engineering conservation practices, such as contour strips, buffers, terraces and grassed waterways.

There is a realization that meeting T will not be enough if we want to improve our soils or protect air and water quality. The term C stands for carbon, a primary component of organic matter. Managing for C implies using practices that increase the organic matter content of soil. These practices benefit the producer and society as a whole.

Practices that increase organic matter include: reduced tillage (most notably no-till), cover crops, rotational grazing, and high biomass rotations. Increased soil cover will protect soil from soil and wind erosion. The high residue rotations add extra organic matter and nutrients to the soil, and low soil disturbance decreases soil organic matter losses. After a few years effects of managing soils for C should be noticeable. They include less crusting and erosion, more water infiltration, more biological activity, darker soil, and better soil tilth. The effects for air and water quality are substantial: less dust and pathogens in the air, lower emissions of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas), and less sediment and nutrients in surface water. In addition, the improved soil quality should make soils more resistant to drought, crop health and vigor should improve, and wildlife has a better place. A single-bullet solution is not encouraged. For example, only using no-till may not be enough to meet C. Appropriate systems depend on local climate and soil conditions, and the farming and cropping systems in place.

Sjoerd Duiker, swd10@psu.edu
Soil Management, Crop and Soil Sciences

System components

Pest Management

WEED CONTROL OPTIONS IN SMALL GRAINS

Mid-fall and spring are typically good times to control weeds in small grains. However, with more grassy weeds becoming a problem in small grains, certain herbicides are more effective on these weeds when they are small (i.e., less than 2 inches tall). Most of the small grain herbicides control annual broadleaf weeds and can suppress perennial broadleaves, however, recently there are some newer products that provide control of annual ryegrass, annual bluegrass, downy brome and a few other grassy weeds. Below and in Table 1 are some herbicide options to consider when planning weed management strategies in small grains.

Table 1. Small grain herbicides and selected application information.
Herbicide Cereal Max. growth stage Rate/A Legume companion Fertilizer carrier
Achieve SC wheat, barley flag leaf 6.9-9.2 fl oz no no
Aim wheat, barley, oats late tiller (stage 5) 0.5-1 oz no no
Banvel/ Clarity wheat, barley, oats jointing (stage 6) 1/4 pt no yes
Buctril wheat, barley, oats boot (stage 9) 1/2 pt yes yes
Everest wheat mid-tillering (stage 4) 0.41-0.61 oz no no
Finesse wheat, barley boot (stage 9) 0.3-0.5 oz no yes
Harmony Extra or Harmony GT wheat, barley before visible flag (stage 7) 0.3-0.6 oz no yes
oats before jointing (stage 5)
Hoelon wheat, barley before jointing (stage 5) 1.33-2.67 pt yes (?) yes-wheat,
no-barley
2,4-D ester wheat, barley before jointing (stage 5) 1/2-1 pt no yes
2,4-D amine wheat, barley, oats before jointing (stage 5) 1/2-1 pt no yes
Maverick wheat before jointing (stage 5) 0.67 oz no yes
MCPA wheat, barley, oats before jointing (stage 5) 1/2-1 pt yes no
Osprey wheat up to jointing (stage 5) 4.75 oz no yes (up to 15% solution)
Peak wheat, barley, oats jointing (stage 6) 0.25-0.5 oz no yes
Starane wheat, barley, oats early boot (stage 9) 0.5-0.67 oz no no
Stinger wheat, barley, oats boot (stage 9) 1/4-2/3 pt no yes

Herbicides for annual ryegrass control in our area include Achieve, Hoelon, and Osprey. Osprey is a new ALS-inhibitor herbicide from Bayer CropScience. Osprey is labeled for use in wheat and in our region it will be primarily targeted for control of annual ryegrass, including Hoelon (ACCase) resistant biotypes. It does have activity on annual bluegrass and will suppress common chickweed, henbit, and pigweed. The Osprey use rate is 4.75 oz/A. Always include MSO (methylated seed oil) at 1.5 pt/A or a "basic blend" type adjuvant (NIS or MSO plus an ammonium nitrogen fertilizer source) at 0.8-1.6 pt/A. Applications should be made when weeds are young and actively growing at the 1-leaf to 2-tiller stage. To broaden weed control spectrum, Osprey may be tank-mixed with other herbicides including, Harmony Extra, Harmony GT, MCPA, Buctril, and Stinger. Soybeans can be planted 90 days after application, corn after 12 months and alfalfa after 10 months. Refer to the label for other use restrictions.

Hoelon has been labeled for use in wheat and barley to control annual ryegrass and other weedy grasses, but is not effective on downy brome or cheat. Hoelon may be applied pre or post in wheat, but only pre in barley. Also, annual ryegrass control is listed on the Achieve, Everest, Finesse, and Maverick labels. However, research at Penn State and other Mid-Atlantic universities has shown inconsistent results on ryegrass control. Achieve and Everest provide good control (90%) but must be applied early, before annual ryegrass reaches 1 inch tall. Applications made after this time provided poorer control. Hoelon and Achieve will not control ACCase resistant ryegrass, which has been a problem in Maryland and Virginia. Be cautious of recrop restrictions if using these products. Any crop can be planted 106 days after an Achieve application. Soybeans may be planted between 5 and 12 months after Maverick application depending on soil pH; for other crops the Maverick label is more restrictive. Only STS soybeans can be planted 6 months following a Finesse application; many other crops are at least 18 months. Soybeans can be planted 9 months after an Everest treatment; do not plant corn within 24 months of Everest application.

Harmony Extra and Peak are effective on wild garlic and wild onion as well as chickweed and several other winter annual broadleaves. Peak is weak on henbit and deadnettle. In addition, Peak recrop restrictions include 10 mo. for soybean and 15 mo. for alfalfa. Harmony GT contains only one of the active ingredients (thifensulfuron) in Harmony Extra and thus does not have the same weed control spectrum. (In most cases, Harmony Extra remains the herbicide standard in small grains.) Clarity, Banvel, 2,4-D, or MCPA can improve the control of some winter annuals and perennials and Stinger is the most effective small grain herbicide for thistles. Table 1 summarizes the available small grain herbicides. See a current herbicide label for specific weed species, rates, and restrictions.

Dwight Lingenfelter, DXL18@psu.edu and
Bill Curran, wsc2@psu.edu,
Weed Science, Crop and Soil Sciences

TIDBITS ABOUT WEED CONTROL IN ALFALFA

As those alfalfa fields begin to go dormant and the chickweed, deadnettle, and yellow rocket can still be growing, now is a good time to be thinking about alfalfa weed control. As for items to consider now or within the next few months, remember a few important guidelines.

Gramoxone Max 3S (paraquat) - May be applied at 0.67 to 2.5 pt/A to established "dormant" stands before 2 inches of spring regrowth. The weeds must be actively growing at the time of application. Gramoxone is also labeled at 10.6 to 21 fl oz/A for dormant application on new fall seeded stands. Gramoxone will desiccate any green tissue including actively growing alfalfa. Be especially cautious with new fall seedings. Gramoxone is effective on low to moderate infestations of winter annuals including chickweed, henbit, deadnettle, and mustard species. If winter annual weed infestations are severe, consider one of the soil active alternatives. Do not use these on mixed stands.

Poast Plus 1E (sethoxydim) - Poast Plus controls annual grasses and suppresses perennial grasses in seedling and established alfalfa. Apply Poast Plus at 1.5 to 2.5 pt/A to actively growing grassy weeds. Poast Plus performance improves with warmer temperatures. However, Poast Plus should be applied to small grasses. Do not use on mixed stands.

Pursuit 70DG (imazethapyr) - Pursuit may be used for weed control in seedling or established alfalfa. Apply Pursuit at 1.08 to 2.16 oz/A plus adjuvants to actively growing weeds 1 to 3 inches in height. Pursuit performance improves with warmer temperatures. If spraying during extended cold periods, expect weeds to respond slower or the herbicide to have reduced activity. Pursuit is effective on many winter annual broadleaves including small chickweed. Pursuit may be used on established alfalfa-grass mixtures.

Raptor 1AS (imazamox) - Raptor may be used for weed control in seedling or established alfalfa. Apply Raptor at 4 to 6 fl oz/A plus adjuvants to small, actively growing weeds and to established alfalfa in the fall, winter, or in the spring to dormant or semi-dormant alfalfa. Any application should be made before significant alfalfa growth or regrowth (3 inches). Like Pursuit, RaptorÕs performance is influenced by temperature. Therefore, try to apply the herbicide on warmer days and when weeds are growing. Raptor has a similar spectrum of winter annual weed control as Pursuit.

Select 2EC (clethodim) - Apply Select at 6-8 fl oz to actively growing grasses that are less than 6 inches tall. Rates up to 16 fl oz may be used to control larger grasses, annual bluegrass or perennials such as quackgrass. Include a crop oil concentrate in the spray mixture. May be tank-mixed with Pursuit, Buctril, or 2,4-DB for broadleaf weed control. Do not use on mixed stands.

Sinbar 80W (terbacil) - May be applied to established alfalfa at up to 1.5 lb/A or to a new fall seeding at 0.33 to 0.5 lb/A. The reduced rate seedling year application is specifically aimed at chickweed. Sinbar is effective on a number of annual broadleaves and some grasses at the higher rates. Apply to "dormant" alfalfa before 2 inches of spring regrowth. Do not use on mixed stands.

Sencor 75DF (metribuzin) - May be used on established alfalfa. Apply 0.5 to 1 lb/A before spring regrowth. Impregnation on dry fertilizer can improve crop safety and allow for slightly later applications (up to 3 inches spring regrowth). Sencor controls winter annual broadleaves and grasses (higher rates for grass control). May be used on mixed alfalfa-grass.

Velpar 2L (hexazinone) - Apply Velpar to established alfalfa at 2 to 6 pt/A during the dormant period before 2 inches of spring regrowth. Velpar is effective on annual broadleaves and grasses. Velpar is the most effective dormant season treatment for suppression of dandelion and dock species (higher rates for grasses and perennial suppression). Do not use on mixed stands.

Your best bet when controlling...

Dwight Lingenfelter, DXL18@psu.edu and
Bill Curran, wsc2@psu.edu,
Weed Science, Crop and Soil Sciences

Agents Corner

CAPITAL

As of October 12 corn silage harvest is nearing completion. Only the latest plantings remain to be harvested. Corn silage yields are reported to be outstanding. Forage analysis indicate that this years silage crop will feed out far better than the 2003 crop.

Corn and soybean grain harvest is rapidly progressing. Ideal weather has pushed dry downs.

Producers are reporting outstanding yields in both crops. Corn grain yields have averaged 180 bushels over entire farms in many areas. Soybean yields have averaged 65 bushels or better. Five acre corn club yields are in the 200 plus category on many farms.

With the ideal weather and soil conditions small grain planting has progressed. Early maturity of corn and soybeans has set the stage for earlier plantings.

Paul Craig, phc8@psu.edu
Dauphin County

SOUTH CENTRAL

The last ten days have been a great boost to the harvest season. Bright sun, warm days and cool nights have allowed harvest to continue at a rapid pace. Corn silage is finishing up and corn grain harvest is going very well. The corn is drying rapidly with many fields showing less than 16 % grain moisture. Problems are showing up in fields that were flooded. The mud that silted onto the corn plants from recent flooding is causing problems with harvest. The dust generated from harvest is causing some problems with the mechanics of the combines and the grain will not flow well because of the dirt on the kernels. General yields are very good, with no reports of poor quality grain except in the flooded areas.

Recent frosts have prompted many farmers to take the last cutting of alfalfa. Most of this was chopped for haylage. Some are still working at dry hay, but drying conditions are not good for this operation. Pastures continue to produce well. Producers using rotational grazing systems have plenty of fall forage.

Small grain planting is going well. The recent dry weather has allowed for fall tillage and planting. In general wheat and barley acreage will be reduced slightly, due to poor returns on small grains from the last two years.

Greg Hostetter, gjh10@psu.edu
Juniata County

SOUTHEAST

Dry weather was a blessing for harvesting. Corn moistures are running 18-20% with yields good to excellent. One farmer commented this year was a once in a lifetime experience for corn yields. There is talk that the local elevators are running out of room and will need to pile corn outside and send people away. Early soybean reports were moisture down to 11% and harvest was beginning.

Rye is growing well, barley is getting a few leaves, and wheat is being planted.

Manure is being hauled, haulers commented they are hauling more water this year from all the rains. No real killing freeze yet, some beans have been frosted, but are still going.

Andrew D. Frankenfield, adf13@psu.edu
Montgomery County


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Douglas Beegle, editor,
Professor, Agronomy, dbb@psu.edu

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