Spring-seeded small grains can provide excellent annual forages. In rotation with alfalfa, producers have the opportunity to disrupt disease cycles and weed pressure from wild oats and broadleaf weeds such as Canada thistle and dandelions. Cereal crops are extensively used for pasture in other areas of the United States, and producers may be tempted to graze spring-seeded barley, wheat or oats in 1997. This practice is not recommended, however, due to the potential presence of toxic levels of nitrate. Oat and barley crops put up for hay should be tested for nitrate levels.
Nitrates tend to diminish after the boot stage.
However, under drought stress, the nitrate levels may remain elevated. Go to feature stories index arranged by category. You are the 200th person to access this page.