Ohio State University Extension
Department of Horticulture and Crop Science
2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210-1044

No-Tillage Forage Seedings Following Small Grain Harvest

AGF-005-92

Successful no-tillage forage seedings, especially alfalfa, can be obtained when seeded into small grain stubble. This system of no-tilling forages following the harvest of small grain is compatible with the crop rotation used by many Ohio livestock producers. It permits the producer to strive for optimum small grain and straw yields and successfully establish legumes for hay crop production without tillage. Actually, it is another system of double cropping which is available to Ohio producers.

The procedure for making these seedings is precise, but feasible and practical for Ohio forage producers.

• Analyze the soil and apply the necessary nutrients to produce forage prior to planting the small grain. It is especially important the necessary limestone be applied before planting the small grain to correct soil acidity.

• Where needed, apply an appropriate herbicide to the small grain for control of broadleaf weeds. Herbicides should be applied at the proper stage of small grain development. It is not legal to apply 2,4-D between wheat harvest and the time of legume seeding. However, 2,4-D may be applied when wheat is in the hard-dough stage for control of broadleaf weeds prior to harvest. Refer to product labels and Extension Bulletin 789, Weed Control Guide for Ohio Field Crops, for specific herbicide use directions.

• Harvest small grain and remove straw. It is not necessary to clip and remove stubble; however, it may be removed if additional straw is desired.

• Gramoxone Extra can be applied for control of annual grass and broadleaf weeds present in wheat stubble. Apply 1.5 pints/A for control of annual weeds less than 3 inches tall, or 2 pints/A for control of 3- to 6-inch weeds. Apply in a spray volume of at least 20 gallons of water per acre. Include nonionic surfactant at the rate of 1 pint per 100 gallons of spray mix. Forages can be seeded immediately after Gramoxone Extra application.

  Roundup should be utilized rather than Gramoxone Extra where significant infestations of thistles, johnsongrass, and other perennial or biennial weeds are present in the wheat stubble. Apply a broadcast spray of 1 to 2 quarts/A Roundup in 10 to 20 gallons of water. Perennial weeds should be at the appropriate growth stage to maximize control. The addition of 2% by weight dry spray-grade ammonium sulfate (equal to 17 lb/100 gal water) may increase Roundup performance, especially under conditions of environmental stress. Delay forage seeding for 1 to 2 weeks after a Roundup application.

• Use a no-tillage drill to seed shallow. Place seed 1/4 inch in the soil. Complete seeding by early August.

• Observe the seeding for volunteer small grain and other competition. Clip as necessary to reduce this competition.

• Watch for insects, especially potato leafhopper infestations and treat as required.

• To maintain the optimum vigor and root reserves, do not make a fall harvest following an August seeding.

Key Precautions:

• Remove straw following small grain harvest.
• Seed forages shallow - less than 1/4 inch deep.
• Complete the seeding by early August.

Prepared by:
Donald K. Myers
Extension Agronomist Emeritus

Revised by:
John F. Underwood
District Agronomy Specialist

Mark M. Loux
Extension Agronomist