For many years now, I have been growing various vegetables as a hobby in my spare time, which is what ultimately led me to studying horticulture. I find it fascinating to watch as plants grow from seed to fruit and to then finally be able to make use of the literal fruits of my labour. … Read more
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 … Read more
Nematodes are microscopic roundworms that feed on plant roots and can cause major damage to alfalfa crops. Infestations lead to stunted, weak plants with reduced yields. Severe cases can even kill plants. There are several methods to control nematodes organically and conventionally, but prevention and early intervention are key. Understanding Nematodes Nematodes are non-segmented roundworms … Read more
Alfalfa is one of the world’s oldest domesticated crops, and today, it is grown on over 20 million acres from coast to coast, making it the nation’s fourth largest acreage crop after corn, soybeans and wheat. The alfalfa plant is not often thought to be used for more than just feeding animals, but it is … Read more
Horses need as much healthy nutrition as possible. These powerful animals need the best hay possible, and the best one to use is alfalfa hay. This eco-friendly and nutritious crop can be susceptible to mold, so you must be careful and use the best provider available, such as David Woods Hay. Mold is a slimy … Read more
Snails can be a major nuisance for alfalfa growers, feeding voraciously on leaves, stems, and crowns. Left uncontrolled, they can decimate an entire alfalfa stand. Luckily, there are several effective methods farmers can use to get rid of snails, protect their crop, and ensure optimal yield. Identifying Snail Damage The first step is learning how … Read more
As a versatile and nutritious forage crop, alfalfa is a popular choice for livestock farmers and growers. However, proper irrigation management is crucial to keep your alfalfa plants healthy and productive. Learning how to identify the signs of water stress can help you determine when your alfalfa needs watering. This prevents issues like drought stress … Read more
Symptoms of wilt diseases of alfalfa have been observed in several fields in southeast Nebraska (Figure 1). The symptoms include wilting shoots, bleaching of leaves (Figure 2) and stems, and a reddish-brown discoloration of the center of the taproot (Figure 3). Several pathogens including the fungi Fusarium and Verticillium and the bacterium Clavibacter can cause … Read more
If you notice the leaves of your alfalfa plants turning yellow, it can be cause for concern. Yellowing leaves on alfalfa indicate the plant is stressed and not receiving the proper nutrients and growing conditions Identifying and correcting the cause is key to restoring the health and productivity of your alfalfa crop There are several … Read more
As an alfalfa grower, understanding the root and stem anatomy of this important forage crop is key to proper management and maximum productivity. Below, we take an in-depth look at the unique structures and functions of alfalfa roots and stems. Alfalfa Root System Alfalfa roots grow rapidly, extending multiple feet into the soil This expansive … Read more