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Primary Uses: |
Forage |
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Planting: |
Plant about 1/4 inch deep. Early
seeding is important to enable the seedlings to become well
established prior to moisture stress of early summer and to take
advantage of the total growing season. Seed in early April in
southern Ohio and early to mid-April in northern Ohio using
certified alfalfa seed of improved, high yielding disease resistant
varieties. Where possible use Apron treated seed to protect young
seedlings from soil-borne damping off diseases. |
|
Seeding Rate: |
12-15 lbs/acre |
|
Fertility: |
Alfalfa is a heavy user of phosphorus
and potassium. To maintain alfalfa production and soil nutrient
levels, apply 14 pounds P205
and 60 pounds K20 for each ton of alfalfa
removed. |
|
Insects: |
Alfalfa is prone to damage by the
alfalfa weevil and potato leafhopper. Potato leafhopper infestation
can devastate young stands of alfalfa if not properly
controlled. |
|
Diseases: |
There are more than a dozen diseases
of alfalfa. They can be grouped into two categories: those that
affect the stems, crowns, or roots and those affecting the foliage.
The stem and root-rot diseases are the most serious. Major losses of
stand have been caused by Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose, and
Sclerotinia crown rot. Verticillium wilt is a constant threat
because some farmers are still growing old varieties that lack
resistance to this disease. Nearly all alfalfa varieties currently
grown in Ohio have resistance to bacterial wilt and Fusarium wilt.
The widespread use of resistant varieties has greatly diminished the
significance of wilt diseases. |
|
Harvest: |
The first cutting can be made 60 to 70
days after emergence. Subsequent cuttings should be made in early
bloom stage, with the last harvest taken by September 1. Fall
cutting is not advisable. |
|
Comments: |
Seeding alfalfa after alfalfa is
especially risky because old stands of alfalfa release a toxin that
reduces germination and growth of new alfalfa seedlings (called
autotoxicity). This is especially true on heavy textured soils.
Disease pathogens accumulate and can cause stand establishment
failures when seeding into a field that was not rotated out of
alfalfa for at least one year. It is best to wait six months to a
year after destroying a two-year or older stand before reseeding
alfalfa back into the same field. |
