Best method on applying liquid manure to alfalfa?

[gentle-bud]

To those who have tried this before, what were the pros and cons for each approach>? I'd like to be able to maximize the benefits of the manure. Any insights or suggestions wll be appreciated!

 

[thehaydays]

To those who have tried this before, what were the pros and cons for each approach>? I'd like to be able to maximize the benefits of the manure. Any insights or suggestions wll be appreciated!

To do it right, I say you should time it carefully, use low amounts and apply it in ways that don't hurt the alfalfa or lose its nutrients.

 

[Camp.Cassidy]

To do it right, I say you should time it carefully, use low amounts and apply it in ways that don't hurt the alfalfa or lose its nutrients.

Low-rate surface application followed by quick incorporation. This helps retain nutrients, reduces volatilization, and minimizes the risk of crop damage or contamination, which is important for hay quality.

 

[HayStacker]

I've used both fresh and composted manure. Fresh manure has plenty of nutrients but can carry weeds and germs unless you compost it. Composted manure is safer, gives nutreints more slowly, and improves the soil's texture. The best way to go is to compost it first, spread it in the fall, and let nature take over. Think of manure as free cash for farming,just make sure to use it wisely or it could backfire on you

 

[cutanddry]

Spread liquid manure right after cutting. It helps reduce leaf burn and allows nutrients to soak in. Keep it under 3,000 gallons per acre and stay off wet fields to prevent compacted roots. Also, older plants tend to handle it better. Manure's good for your crops, but don't drown your alfalfa

 

[HappyMeal]

My uncle operates a small dairy farm and began using liquid manure on his alfalfa immediately after the second cut. He made sure to keep the application rate low and utilized a drag hose to prevent any burning. This approach really gave his third cut a good boost. However, he got a bit too hasty after a rain and ended up leaving ruts that bothered him the whole season. The takeaway? Timing and traction are crucial.

 

[saddleandsickle0484]

Dragging the hose was a smart move, but those ruts are a bummer. Guess that's a lesson learned, wet fields don't wait around

 

[bin.bag]

If you're looking to get the most out of manure, timing and method really matter. Incorporating it into the soil can boost nutrient availability faster, while surface spreading is easier and safer for slow release benefits. The cons: surface spreading can lose nutrients to runoff, and incorporation takes more labor but maximizes efficiency.