In The News
Why Soil Test?
Soil testing is obviously an important tool in putting together a sound fertility plan that will provide the best economic return on your investment. It also can be a tool to better seed placement that can greatly enhance your odds of success.
Two soil test analytical factors to be cognitive of when placing seed are; sodium (Na+) and magnesium (Mg++)…why? Both sodium and magnesium can contribute to a variety of soil issues that require specific hybrid placement.
Sodium (Na+) or magnesium (Mg++), at elevated levels can cause detrimental effects to the root system of a corn plant…why? Both are known to “tighten” soil by drawing the clay colloidal particles together, “tightening” the soil, making it more restrictive for root growth and development. Elevated levels to be of concern are; greater than 2.5% exchangeable sodium percentage and greater than 20% base saturation of magnesium.
Corn hybrids that have great horizontal/lateral root movement are essential in these profiles of excess sodium (Na+) or magnesium (Mg++) that are extremely restrictive to ensure not only sound standability, but also proper nutrient uptake.
Typically, determinant or semi-flex ear style hybrids exhibit this lateral/horizontal root structure vs. full flex ear style hybrids that are more penetrating/vertical root structures.
Summary: Using your soil analysis is not only an important tool for a precise, sound fertilizer program, but also an important tool in your seed buying decisions.
2007 Legend Silage Field Trials
Legend Seeds has done extensive research in the past, evaluating hybrids on agronomic characteristics and performance…but very little on silage. Now, we are happy to say that our hybrid evaluation based on silage characteristics and feed value has really “kicked up” into “high gear!”
This past summer we conducted silage research in the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota and South Dakota, to bring YOU not only the best tonnage, but also the best “feed to gain” silage.
We first evaluated hybrids based on of course, tonnage. We then took it to the next level by harvesting it for silage and sending it to Universities to be evaluated for ADF, NDF, Crude Protein and all the pertinent information that a dairy man needs to produce more milk per day, per cow.
We will be publishing all our silage data outcomes in a “Legend Seeds Silage Research” booklet to be given to you the producer. The booklet will help you to make the best choice when picking that multi-purpose hybrid that fits both your grain needs and silage needs.
Contact your local Legend Seeds Representative or District Sales Manager to receive your first ever “Legend Seeds Silage Research” booklet OR call the Legend Seeds office.
Legend Seeds Office: 1-800-678-3346