ALFALFA
Medicago sativa L.
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
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.
