How, when and which varieties you plant are all fundamental decisions that can have large impacts on the yield and quality of your alfalfa by the time it’s ready to be cut. Set your crop up for success with these six tips for successfully seeding your alfalfa fields. Alfalfa, also known as lucerne, is a … Read more
Oklahoma growers often wonder how quickly alfalfa can be rotated with the previous alfalfa crops. There is no single answer for this issue — it depends on other factors surrounding the system. Many producers believe the least amount of time to leave fields out of alfalfa before reestablishing is the number of years the stand … Read more
Therefore, harvest management of perennial legumes such as alfalfa, red clover, and birdsfoot trefoil requires a compromise between quality and persistence. The intensity at which these forage legumes are harvested should depend on the nutrient needs of the livestock that will be consuming the forage (Figure 1), as well as the life expectancy of the … Read more
Alfalfa, also known as lucerne, is an important forage crop grown throughout the world However, alfalfa plants are susceptible to damage from insect pests like alfalfa weevil, aphids, armyworms, and alfalfa stem borers Borers are moth larvae that bore into the stem of plants and disrupt nutrient and water transport. Severe borer infestations can kill … Read more
This full-color booklet presents, in word and picture, the story of how an alfalfa plant develops from the moment the seed swells and the radicle bursts forth to anchor in the soil, till the plant flowers-and it simultaneously describes how to make alfalfa thrive by careful management techniques. Understanding the details of how alfalfa plants … Read more
In Oklahoma, insect pests are a perennial problem that can cause reduced alfalfa productivity. These pests occur at various times of the growing season and reduce forage production in many ways. Yellowing (chlorosis) and subsequent death of leaves (necrosis), along with stunting of plant growth, are caused by fluid feeding insects such as aphids and … Read more
If you mainly associate alfalfa with pellets for rabbits and guinea pigs, you’re in for a wonderful home gardening surprise. Along with being a food crop for livestock and pets, this plant shines as an easy-care, affordable cover crop, especially when planted in the fall. It will improve the soil, suppress weeds, and control erosion … Read more
Does it feel like a losing battle sometimes? Don’t worry, there are ways to control these little creatures. I’m not a fan of using pesticides or any kind of toxic poison in the garden unless it is really necessary. Most of the time there are harmless alternatives that can do the trick. I don’t mean … Read more
Alfalfa is an important forage crop grown across many regions for feeding livestock. However, these nutritious plants can fall victim to tiny yet destructive pests – spider mites. These sap-sucking mites can proliferate rapidly in hot, dry conditions and can wreak havoc on your alfalfa fields if left unchecked. Severe infestations stunt plant growth, reduce … Read more
Alfalfa also known as lucerne is a hardy and versatile plant grown for animal feed, sprouts, and as a cover crop. Properly cleaning alfalfa plants is an important step to ensure a healthy harvest. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through when and how to clean your alfalfa for optimal growth. When to Clean Alfalfa … Read more