Presented by: Josh Kamps, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Featured in this talk is Josh Kamps, regional crops educator at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension. Some of the most sensitive soils on Wisconsin farms are newly seeded fields of alfalfa. Traditionally, farmers use multiple tillage passes ahead of planting followed by a cultipacker or land roller pass to reduce surface residue and leave an ultra-smooth field surface. These field conditions make soils vulnerable to raindrop impact, reduce water infiltration of the soil profile, and increase the risk of soil, seed, and nutrients leaving the field. Field research and demonstration trials in Wisconsin that planted alfalfa green are showing promise for this alfalfa establishment practice. Viewers will understand the steps to successfully establish a stand of alfalfa by planting it green into cereal rye. 

Presented by: Dr. Marta Kohmann, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Featured in this talk is Dr. Marta Kohmann, an assistant professor and forage extension specialist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Dr. Kohmann explores new ideas in alfalfa nutrient crediting, particularly in grain systems. Her presentation centers around the determination of alfalfa nutrient credits, rethinking historic research, and taking advantage of the nitrogen benefits of alfalfa. She begins with understanding the role of alfalfa in the nutrient cycle and nitrogen fixation within cropping systems, then evaluates how nitrogen crediting information has historically been determined. Dr. Kohmann then looks at research to weigh the benefits and challenges of typical alfalfa rotations.

Presented by: Dr. Shelby Gruss, Iowa State University

Featured in this talk is Dr. Shelby Gruss, an assistant professor and forage extension specialist at Iowa State University. Dr. Gruss explores establishing alfalfa with a summer nurse crop. Her project explores the use of sorghum-sudangrass and sudangrass as nurse crops for alfalfa establishment, comparing two planting strategies: simultaneous spring/summer planting versus sequential planting, where alfalfa is planted between rows of the nurse crop after its first harvest. She presents first-year results, including biomass yield and stand establishment data, and discuss plans for continuing this work to optimize alfalfa establishment and forage productivity.