How to grow Alfalfa

Select the best field:
Alfalfa does best when planted in well drained fields. Well drained fields have less disease pressure which make it easier to establish a stand and also increases stand life. Fields that are prone to water ponding should definately be avoided.

Fertilize and Lime prior to planting:
Soil samples need to be taken. Make sure to indicate to the lab that the next crop will be alfalfa so that they will use the proper reagents in the test. Follow their recomendations.

Prepare seedbed:
If you are using tillage, the seedbed needs to be fine and firm as well as smooth. This will ensure that the seed will have good soil contact. If you are no-till, make sure to have the weeds killed by using the proper herbicide. In either system, you need to make sure that the seed is not planted too deep. Generally this is less than 1/4" deep. Frost seeding can also be done successfully as long as the soil is still going through freeze/thaw cycles to work the seed into the soil.

Seeding rates:
The seeding rate will depend on conditions and weather. In good conditions, 15 pounds per acre is adaquate for a pure stand. In adverse conditions, seeding rate may need to be increased to 20 pound per acre. If you are growing a alfalfa/grass mix, then cut the rate by the desired inclusion rate. For example, if you want a 50% mix, then cut the rate of both the alfalfa and grass in half.

Seeding date:
Alfalfa is generally seeded in either April or August. With a spring seeding, you can generally cut 70 days after planting and get 2 cuttings the first year. Fall seedings should wait until next year for first cutting.

Weed and Insect Control:
Weeds will need to be controled to maximize quality and yield. You can download a quick reference by clicking on the following link: Quickreference. Be sure to read all herbicide labels and consult your herbicide dealer for specific recomendations for your area. The two major insect pests of alfalfa are potato leafhopper and alfalfa weevil. You will need to scout for these pests each year and apply the appropriate insecticide as needed.

Annual fertilization:
Alfalfa is a legume and therefore does not need nitrogen fertilization. However, alfalfa does use a large amount of phosphorous and potassium. The general recomendation is to apply maintence fertilizer based on the amount of alfalfa harvested each year. The rule of thumb is to apply 14 pounds P205 and 60 pounds K20 for each ton of alfalfa removed each year.