2005-2006
Anybody got a success story for this year. I know between the drought and hurricanes it was tough getting much done. I know of at least two spots where cover was added and has already proved successful. Hybrid sudan was planted for cover and also to split the size of the holes. With little water, the latter part is yet to be determined if it will benefit yet.
Success Stories from individual habitat improvement efforts
Success Stories from individual habitat improvement efforts
Are we gonna get wet?
The sudan reached a height of 8-12 feet tall. There are a few seed heads on some of the plants, but from what I understand the seed is not viable. I have planted some small plots of the hybrid myself the last couple of years. It has stood all winter with out lodging except for one spot that was broken down by freezing rain. Very drought tolerant and responds to N fertilizer in plant height and density. With so many wide open fields, a strip of the hybrid seems to be a good choice for cover.
Are we gonna get wet?
It does make a few seed, just do not believe they are viable. Not really a great seed producer as far as feed, more of a plant to use for cover. Has been planted here for hay and forage in the past.
For wildlife cover, I would plant mid June here. 60-80 lbs of N would be fine. I am sure forage or hay production may call for higher rates. The plots I planted were on pretty sorry soils and I had no problem reaching 12 feet on most plants with 75 lbs of N. Stood erect through some very windy conditions and little rainfall.
Have seen some good japanese millet stands as well as some good milo/barnyard grass/soybean plots. They are still in need of water to see how they pan out.
For wildlife cover, I would plant mid June here. 60-80 lbs of N would be fine. I am sure forage or hay production may call for higher rates. The plots I planted were on pretty sorry soils and I had no problem reaching 12 feet on most plants with 75 lbs of N. Stood erect through some very windy conditions and little rainfall.
Have seen some good japanese millet stands as well as some good milo/barnyard grass/soybean plots. They are still in need of water to see how they pan out.
Are we gonna get wet?
Yea, I am familiar with Chiwapa. I work for NRCS and produce the foundation seed to supply seed growers for increase. The longer maturity is the main difference between it and other varieties of jap millet. It was first looked at and released for forage back in the 60's. It came on as a waterfowl type plant and then lost it's popularity as shorter days to maturing varieties came on. There is a renewed interest in Chiwapa now. The longer maturity date helps to insure soil moisture at time of planting with the earlier planting date. Much more likely to see rainfall in June than in mid August.
I have seen the tropical corn planted in four or five different areas. Have not seen enough of it to really say I like it or dislike it. I like regular corn just fine if your duck hole dries up early enough to get it planted.
I have seen the tropical corn planted in four or five different areas. Have not seen enough of it to really say I like it or dislike it. I like regular corn just fine if your duck hole dries up early enough to get it planted.
Are we gonna get wet?
I really appreciate all the info, always wanted to plant corn on our wetland but we are not dry until mid May so that is why I have become interested in tropical corn. Another poster on here led me in that direction. Any specific tips on plantinting chiwapa, dry or wet? Fertilizer or not? Can it be flooded (1-2") if the plant is 12" tall or so like jap can? Thanks again!
Chiwapa is jap millet, just a longer maturing variety than what is usually planted. It can stand water up to about 4 inches. In deeper water it may survive, but I can almost guarantee it will lodge (stretched, weaker stem base). Fertilizer is where we have been working to get maximum yields but without increased lodging. Still working with different rates and application dates, but from what I have seen the last three years, it is best to hold off on N application(s) until 40-50 days after emergence. Once the plant switches from a vegetative phase to a reproductive phase, N can be applied without a lot of increased stalk height. I have seen it grow as tall as 10 feet and as short as 2.5 feet. Waiting to apply N is a definite plus in controlling height, reducing lodging, and increasing seed yield. Most duck holes, if not farmland, will probably not need any N. Shaded areas do prolong maturity time so keep that in mind when setting a planting date. Is best to plant with your maturity date in mind vs. your normal first frost date. I would plan on the millet maturing two weeks ahead of that frost date for the area you are in. Example would be Northwest MS normal first frost date may be November 10. Back up two weeks for planned millet maturity date which would be October 27. Back up 120 days for your optimum planting date with that maturity window in mind, June 29 is the day to plant. When making summer time plantings, it is better to go with a good chance of rain in the forecast than sticking with a date. The planned planting date just gives you a time frame to be looking at.
Are we gonna get wet?
Kwat....give me a call. Tried to get you last night. Saw where you had called earlier. Killed some ducks, never would have thought it, but they came in great even into late morning. My gun hung up so it was Clint and the single shot twenty doing the shooting. He shot twenty times altogether, killed three. (20 shots with a single shot tells you how they were coming in!) Went back the next day and got 15 or so. Going to go a couple of times this week, between Thursday and Sunday. Guys that leased the other have been having fantastic luck, limits 5 days in a row. The water level is still low but the millet is a definite advantage where they are hunting.
Are we gonna get wet?
He's been counting on going with Clint ever since last year.
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