Uh-oh...Seeding alfalfa after using 2,4-D?

[sixdogs]

I have about 2 acres of fallow ground that had a few weeds on it and I just sprayed the field with LV 2,4-D esther yesterday without thinking. We have clay soil.
My concern is that I had planned to seed alfalfa on this ground but am now concerned I maight burn the young alfalfa plants as they emerge.
Anyone know much about this and to what degree I might damage the alfalfa or how long I have to wait for seeding?
I used about a quart of product and had planed to plant the alfalfa next week after mild cultivation .
Any info or ideas helpful. Thanks.

 

[myyaz33]

I have about 2 acres of fallow ground that had a few weeds on it and I just sprayed the field with LV 2,4-D esther yesterday without thinking. We have clay soil.
My concern is that I had planned to seed alfalfa on this ground but am now concerned I maight burn the young alfalfa plants as they emerge.
Anyone know much about this and to what degree I might damage the alfalfa or how long I have to wait for seeding?
I used about a quart of product and had planed to plant the alfalfa next week after mild cultivation .
Any info or ideas helpful. Thanks.

check the label on the product you sprayed, it usually says how long to wait before planting

 

[beenthere]

Contact the co. of that brand, and/or seek some help from a University or Gov't agency. There is an forage institute here
University of Wisconsin

 

[PossumHound]

You can check with your county extension agent for your answer. My farm is rented by an alfalfa grower. He always knocks back the weeds with topical herbicide before planting the alfalfa, but he may use a professional type herbicide designed to decompose quickly.

PH

 

[rockinmywaypa]

I honestly don't think you have anything to worry about since the alfalfa isn't even planted yet. The 24-d will be rendered inactive once it is on the ground since it has to enter the plants through the cell walls to work. Thus if it hasn't landed on a growing alfalfa plant it's not going to hurt subsequent growth. A wet rain in between should make you sleep even better.

 

[sixdogs]

I did read the label, which is maybe 20 pages and it mostly deals with after-emergent spraying of broadleaf weeds.
The only mention of a seed planted after spraying is soybean and in that instance it mentions to plant the seed extra deep after waiting 3 to 6 weeks after herbicide application.
2,4-D stays in the soil in a while so it appears to have an impact on an affected crop after it emerges as a crop.
Beats me.

 

[beenthere]

The label on my container says "reseed no sooner than 3 weeks after application". That is prolly extra cautious.

 

[RippySkippy]

My money is on the side of it'll be alright, especially given the slow germination rate of alfalfa. I never really thought of 2, 4-D having any residual broad leaf suppression capacity...

 

[Western]

I would check with the seed supplier also, it may depend on what variation or Alfalfa you are planting. Either way, the supplier has probably dealt with this before.

Where I live I have basically one strain of Alfalfa that I can plant with reasonable results, Ladak or Dry land, so in my case that would narrow it down, you probably have more options due to the northern climate.

For me , I have best results with a Fall planting anyway (Sept) so I usually disc a couple of times in August to kill weeds and prep the "bed".

 

[sixdogs]

.........

For me , I have best results with a Fall planting anyway (Sept) so I usually disc a couple of times in August to kill weeds and prep the "bed".

Yes, very true--spring planting not very good for starting alfalfa.
This is just a couple acre out-parcel for sweet corn last year that stayed bare.
Have you sprayed 2,4-D in August and then planted alfalfa a few weeks later?