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ALFALFA Medicago sativa
L.
(Cool
Season Perennial Legume)
Alfalfa is grown in almost every state in the US and
is often called "The Queen of the Forages" . It can survive
temperature extremes of -25 to over 50 degree centigrade.
It does go dormant under severe drought and usually will resume
growth when conditions improve. Alfalfa (European name: Lucerne) is
found worldwide and most likely originated in the middle east,
probably in Iran. It grows best in areas where cool season
perennial grasses are normally planted. It may not
survive as a perennial if planted in hotter / warm season grass
growing areas - check with your agronomist for suitability for your
growing area.
In the USA the largest acreage is in the
North Central states (Dakotas, Wisconsin, Minnesota). It
is also grown in the west and in the Southeast. Alfalfa
performs best on irrigated, fertile, well drained loamy soils.
In the Eastern USA states, irrigation is not as critical a
factor due to increased rainfall.
EXCELLENT FEED: Alfalfa has the highest feeding
value of all common hay crops. Its primary use is for production of hay
and/or silage. It is also a high-quality forage for all types of
livestock, including horses, cattle, dairy cattle, and sheep. Planting
Alfalfa with another grass minimizes bloat problems, while maximizing gain.
It is also the largest crop acreage used for honeybees. Alfalfa also is a
good soil fixer, supplying nitrogen back into the soil by combining with the
bacteria Rhizobium meliloti.
SITE PREPARATION: A properly prepared seedbed
provides for best germination; firm seedbed, moist soil / granular (not
powdery). It can be used to follow behind a small grain or sorghum crop
with minimum preparation (harrowing). Culti-packing is excellent and is
recommended for low moisture planting conditions. Soil pH is critical for
success with Alfalfa. Usually lime is needed to raise ph to an ideal 6.8.
Boron, potassium, potash, sulfur and nitrogen are all needed for best growth.
A soil test should be made prior to planting.
PLANTING RATES & TIME:
Plant late summer to early fall in Southeast. In cooler,
mountain locations, spring seeding may be preferable, but late summer and fall
is also practiced. Inoculation is not required on plantings where prior
Alfalfa has grown.
Seeding rate: Southern areas: 20 lbs / Acre.
More Climatic acceptable areas: 12-15 lbs / Acre.
Broadcast or Band Seed / Ideal depth 1/4 inch coverage.
ABOUT ALFALFA
Alfalfa is a cool season, perennial
legume that is planted all over the world. It originated near Iran
and has been found in one form or the other on nearly all the
continents and represents one of the oldest forage crops.
Depending upon the cultivar it withstands a wide variety of
climates and is highly drought resistant through dormancy for as
much as two years. Being high in minerals, vitamins and protein it
is one of the most nutritious crops that can be utilized in any
forage situation.
Plantings of Alfalfa alone have
sustained the honey industry, because of the high nectar quality.
As a legume it is used alone, planted with other grasses to raise
the fertility of the soil, used in rotational grazing practices,
erosion control areas and many other uses. In silage it is
combined with grains and/or molasses. It is a highly preferable
feed for all grazing animals. In combination with grasses it
reduces the problem of bloating which can result in death.
VARIETIES: Over 200
ADAPTATION: Moderate to well drained soils and of good
fertility.
USAGE: It is used as forage, hay, silage, green chop,
erosion control, honey producing, adding to soil fertility,
rotational grazing, pelletized, and in some forms of human
consumption.
PREPARATION: Soil testing and fully prepared seedbed with
amendments if necessary.
SEEDING: The amount of seed required depend upon the soil
density and climatic conditions and intended method of seeding.
MAINTENANCE: Fertilization requirements, management
depending upon usage, and favorable moisture conditions.
WATERING: Irrigation is a must in some areas if seasonal
rains are not sufficient.
ESTABLISHMENT: Early spring, late summer
or fall depending upon the location, on a weedfree and well
prepared seedbed the and with adequate water the establishment
time is generally about 60 days for the first harvest.
WEEDING: This should be done before
seeding and following the method as suggested by your county
agent.
FERTILIZATION: Alfalfa is a legume and
dependent upon the usage and since it is grown in so many
different areas; soil tests are the only reliable method of
determining what levels of nutrients are needed.
Popular Varieties: Alfalfagraze, Amerigraze 702, Amerigraze
403T, Bulldog 505, Bulldog 805.
Different dormancy ratings determine best variety for location in USA.
More America's Alfalfa variety
info at: Americas Alfalfa's
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