Grown as a high-quality forage crop around the world, alfalfa provides nitrogen fixation, increased soil organic matter, and many other benefits. As a result of the plant’s ability to produce two or more harvests per year for several years following initial planting, growing alfalfa results in substantial economic gains. However, realizing the full potential of the crop requires proper planting, management, and care throughout the growing period. To find a happy medium between yield and quality, the timing of your alfalfa harvesting is also crucial. Improved efficiency in sowing, fieldwork, and harvesting planning thanks to the advancement in agricultural technology has led to higher yields and greater revenues from farming alfalfa.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), or lucerne, is a perennial feed crop yielding the most in its second year. It can grow continuously for 3–4 years in regions with mild winters and 6–9 years in regions with cold winters. It is also cultivated as a short-season plant in crop rotations.
Alfalfa, also known as lucerne, is a versatile, nutrient-rich crop that can be grown for livestock feed, cover cropping, human consumption, and more. However, successful cultivation begins with proper practices for storing, sowing, and germinating alfalfa seeds. This comprehensive guide provides key tips and techniques for alfalfa seed management from storage to emergence for lush, productive stands.
Storing Alfalfa Seeds for Viability
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining seed viability and vigor Follow these best practices
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Cool, Dry Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry place at 40-50°F. Avoid temperature fluctuations. The low humidity prevents mold growth.
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Opaque, Airtight Containers Place seeds in opaque, airtight containers to limit air exposure and block light This protects from deterioration
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Label Details: Clearly label with variety, purchase date, germination rate, and other details. Track age and rotate stock.
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No Freezing: Don’t freeze alfalfa seeds. Freezing can damage the seed coat and embryo leading to reduced germination.
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Monitor Frequently: Check seeds every 2-3 months. Discard moldy or damaged seeds. Use oldest seeds first.
Following proper storage guidelines preserves seed viability for extended periods, ensuring excellent germination potential when planting.
Sowing Methods and Techniques for Success
Once seeded, alfalfa can yield high-quality yields for 3-7 years with proper care. Use these sowing techniques:
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Site Selection: Choose a sunny site with well-draining soil. Avoid compacted or waterlogged areas.
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Seedbed Preparation: Loosen soil to 6-8 inches deep. Remove debris, weeds, and stones. Smooth and level the area.
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Seeding Rate: Sow 15-25 lbs per acre, or follow specific recommendations for purpose. Higher rates suppress weeds.
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Planting Depth: Sow seeds 1⁄4-1⁄2 inch deep. Good seed-to-soil contact is critical for germination.
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Row Spacing: Space rows 12-36 inches apart depending on equipment. Wider rows reduce competition.
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Seed Inoculation: Coat seeds with rhizobium bacteria to aid nitrogen fixation. Re-inoculate old seed.
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Post-Seeding: Gently water after planting. Consider mulches to retain moisture. Monitor for pest or diseases.
Proper sowing techniques enhance germination and support optimal stand establishment. Adjust methods to suit local conditions.
Understanding Alfalfa Seed Germination
Germination is the crucial first step to grow a vigorous alfalfa stand. Here are key factors influencing the process:
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Ideal Temperatures: 65-80°F is optimal. Cooler temperatures slow germination. Ensure consistent soil warmth.
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Adequate Moisture: Keep soil moist, but not saturated. Good moisture content is critical.
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No Light Required: Seeds can be covered with soil. Avoid exposing germinating seeds.
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Average Time: Emergence occurs within 7-10 days under ideal conditions. Avoid digging up seeds too early.
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Thinning: Carefully thin overcrowded seedlings to proper spacing after emergence.
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Field Conditions: Monitor factors like temperature, moisture, runoff, and crusting that impact germination.
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Seed Quality: High germination rates and vigor produce uniform emergence. Re-test old seed.
Understanding germination requirements helps create optimal conditions for vigorous seedling establishment.
Common Challenges and Solutions
While alfalfa seeds are relatively easy to germinate, there are some potential challenges to avoid:
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Premature Drying: Ensure consistent moisture, especially shortly after planting. Light, frequent watering helps.
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Rotting: Avoid overwatering or saturated soils. Allow the top layer to dry between watering.
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Poor Emergence: Plant at proper depth, ensure good seed-soil contact, and consistent moisture.
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Crusting: Break up soil crusting carefully by light harrowing to prevent seedling damage.
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Pest Damage: Monitor for slugs, wireworms, seedcorn maggots and other pests. Take preventative and control measures.
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Diseases: Treat seeds with fungicides to prevent issues like damping off. Allow for airflow.
Proper sowing techniques, seedbed preparation, and field monitoring helps avoid common pitfalls for the best stands.
Achieving Optimal Stands Through Proper Techniques
Cultivating an optimal alfalfa stand starts with implementing best practices at every stage from storage to germination. Here are some key tips:
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Select high quality, viable seed stored under cool, dry conditions. Check germination rate before planting.
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Prepare a smooth, well-draining, debris-free seedbed in a sunny area with loose, fertile soil.
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Inoculate seed just before planting and sow at the proper depth and spacing for your purpose.
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Maintain consistent moisture levels without oversaturation for 7-10 days until emergence.
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Gently thin young seedlings to proper spacing after germination to reduce competition.
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Monitor field conditions closely and take prompt action to avoid crusting, drying out, pests and diseases.
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Be patient! It takes time for young roots to establish before vigorous top growth occurs.
Follow these best practices from seed selection through germination for optimal stand establishment and a bountiful, long-lasting alfalfa crop. Adjust techniques as needed to suit local growing conditions. With attention to details at every stage, a thriving alfalfa stand is within reach for any grower.
Companion Planting Vs. Clear Planting
Growing oats or another companion crops (corn or wheat) with lucerne to control weeds, mitigate soil erosion, and give extra yields. Yet, in most cases, growing alfalfa by itself is more fruitful since companion crops typically reduce the alfalfa’s first-year output as well as its stand density. On erodible soil, lucerne may not even germinate without a companion crop. Therefore, the benefits of companion cropping vs. clear planting are location- and objective-dependent.
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Proper Care For Alfalfa
Proper care is essential for ensuring the longevity and productivity of lucerne stands. Nutrient management and pest control are cornerstones of this care. Last but not least, growing healthy stands entails rotating crops at the right time.
Nitrogen (N), which a plant produces on its own, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are the three vital nutrients for growing lucerne. Vegetative growth requires N, whereas root growth requires P. Potassium strengthens plant defenses, increasing crop resistance to environmental stresses and diseases.
The standard alfalfa fertilization recommendations are to apply 18–22 lb/acre (20–25 kg/ha) of phosphorus and 170–218 lb/acre (190–245 kg/ha) of potassium fertilizer. For greater confidence in fertilizer distribution across a field, use the Productivity maps provided by EOSDA Crop Monitoring. Dividing the field into zones based on productivity can help you save money on soil testing while getting the most out of your K and P fertilizer applications for alfalfa.
Variable rate P2O5 fertilizer application based on the Productivity map.
How To Grow Alfalfa Sprouts – The Definitive Guide
FAQ
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