overseeding alfalfa with orchardgrass

   / overseeding alfalfa with orchardgrass #1  

raasd

Bronze Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2010
Messages
51
Location
Eastern SD
Tractor
John Deere 5220
I have an alfalfa field that is on its 4th year and its starting to get a little thin and weedy in spots. So here is my idea. I'm thinking I should hit it with some Buctril or Raptor this spring and then sometime this summer overseed with orchardgrass. My question is the process. Whats the best time to overseed? Should I do it right away in the spring, after 1st, 2nd, or 3rd cutting. Any help is appreciated.


thanks,
Ray
 
   / overseeding alfalfa with orchardgrass #2  
My first cutting of alfalfa was always the heaviest, due to the grass that will eventually take over. IMO to overseed with grass at the 2nd or 3rd cutting is problematic because grass doesn't germinate well at the higher temps of july or august. I have overseeded with oats and gotten a great combo of high energy feed.
 
   / overseeding alfalfa with orchardgrass #3  
You can probably frost seed it right now.
 
   / overseeding alfalfa with orchardgrass #4  
Check with you local extension service. They were a great help to me. I ended up going early spring like now with a no till drill and put in a pasture/hay/clover mix they recommended. They even rented me the no till drill. Worked great.
 
 
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