Evaluation of the effects of aerators on alfalfa stands

Evaluation of the effects of aerators on alfalfa stands

Summary

In the spring of 2013, Jennifer Alexander met individually with each farmer to gather farmer feedback and to look for winterkill within the test plots and field. Neither of the two farms in the project noticed any difference in the alfalfa stands nor were any differences observed by Jennifer.

 In May, all 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.

All plots were then soil sampled and then sampled for Cornell Soil Health tests. Temperature readings and penetrometer measurements were taken at the same time alfalfa crown counts were done. All measurements were taken and recorded by Jennifer Alexander.

Plot design

Objectives/Performance Targets

1. Evaluate use of aerators on alfalfa and its effects on alfalfa where the taproot is more susceptible to damage on the farm scale level.

• As of the end of 2012, two farms were 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.
• Publication of preliminary results were in the December 2013 issue of Champlain Valley Crop Soil Newsletter, which reaches over 450 agricultural producers.  The newsletter is available in electronic or print format.
• Found at:  http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs158/1104770033503/archive/1115876361106.html#LETTER.BLOCK15

Accomplishments/Milestones

The research and data collection part of the project went according to plan in 2013. Alfalfa on these farms did not appear to be negatively affected by aeration. The high rain during the summer that was experienced in Rutland County had no impact on the test plots as the soils on both farms were on well drained soils.

The aeration was done when the plants were less than 5” tall.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

With more farms seeing little to no measurable impact with aeration on the lighter soils in Rutland County, aeration continues to be a hard sell. This includes farms that have a liquid manure system and use aeration as a means for incorporation on hay ground. There has been an uptick in use of the smaller aerator (8′) on pasture land with anecdotal reports of decreased soil compaction and increased water absorption.    

Collaborators: