Evaluation of the effects of aerators on alfalfa stands

Evaluation of the effects of aerators on alfalfa stands

Summary

In spring 2012, Jennifer Alexander met individually with each farmer to discuss the project details for the coming growing season. At that time, Clif-Dee farm informed us that he was beginning to have some issues with the landowner where the plot was located. The farmer and landowner could not mediate their differences and the landowner cancelled the lease agreement. The landowner did not find another farmer to hay his land until July of 2012 and due to the 2 month delay in harvest and aeration, along with a new farmer having different management practices we felt that it would create too much variability in data for collection with the new farmer to be incorporated into this research. We will include data from year 1 and the crown counts from spring 2012 at the Clif-Dee site in the final report.

In April 2012, winter stakes were removed, the plots were marked with flags and winter crown counts were conducted to determine if any winterkill occurred within the aerated plots and controls. The counts took place within the 3ft x 3ft subsections that were randomly selected in 2011. No winterkill was observed within the test areas or in the fields in general.

Objectives/Performance Targets

• Objectives/Performance Targets
1. Evaluate use of aerators on alfalfa and its effects on stands where the taproot is more susceptible to damage on the farm scale level.
2. As of the end of 2012, two farms are still participating. The above data was collected and is currently being evaluated. While further evaluation needs to occur, the following anecdotal information has been shared with farmers: Aeration does not appear to harm alfalfa stands when the aerator was set at the 0 degree setting on the light soils found within Rutland County.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Plots were observed during aeration and after each harvest. Alfalfa crown counts were conducted on each subsection in spring and fall. The remaining fields were harvested three times during the growing season. No manure was spread on these fields in 2012.

Layout of plots:

See attached table.

The research and data collection part of the project went according to plan. Alfalfa on the two participating farms did not seem to be negatively affected by aeration although it should be noted that the winter of 2011-2012 was very mild with little if any subzero temperatures and little or no snowpack. The aeration was completed when the plants were less than 5” tall.

• Plot Layout

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Many farmers are still rolling their eyes at the thought of aerating alfalfa with the continued increase in the price of fuel. Unless there is a measureable improvement with aeration, this practice may be a hard sell. Participation in Vermont’s Farm Agronomic Practices program through the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets has the potential to alleviate some costs but this does not help the farms that spread solid or semi-solid manure on their fields.

Collaborators: