How to Tell if Your Alfalfa Plant Needs Watering

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 that can reduce yields.

How Much Water Does Alfalfa Need?

On average, alfalfa needs around 1-2 inches of water per week during the growing season. The water requirements can vary based on climate, soil type, growth stage and irrigation method. Hot, dry climates or sandy soils may need more frequent irrigation. During growth spurts, alfalfa has higher water needs. Drip irrigation reduces wastage and improves efficiency compared to sprinklers.

Signs Your Alfalfa Needs Water

Monitor your alfalfa crop for these visible signs of water deficiency:

• Wilting leaves – The most obvious indication of water stress is leaves that appear limp or droopy Leaves may yellow or brown in severe cases,

• Dry soil – Check soil moisture up to several inches deep. If it feels dry it’s time to irrigate.

• Stunted growth – Inadequate water prevents nutrient uptake, slowing growth.

• Curling leaves – Alfalfa leaves may fold or curl inwards to reduce transpiration.

• Early flowering – Plants may initiate early flowering as a stress response before dying.

• Drooping stems – Stems and leaves bending down indicate loss of turgor pressure.

• Leaf drop – Extreme water stress causes lower leaves to turn yellow then drop off.

• Change in color – Water stress leads to subtle color changes like dull, grayish leaves.

Tips for Watering Alfalfa Effectively

Use these best practices to meet your alfalfa’s moisture needs:

• Check soil regularly – Use a moisture meter or finger test to track soil moisture at several depths.

• Water deeply – Ensure water penetrates deep into the root zone, not just surface moisture.

• Avoid overwatering – Well-drained soils are essential to prevent waterlogging.

• Time it right – Water early morning to minimize evaporation and allow absorption before hot afternoons.

• Consider weather – Adjust watering schedule based on forecasted temperatures, humidity, rainfall.

• Use efficient methods – Drip irrigation targets the root zone better than sprinklers.

• Consider growth stage – Young plants need more frequent irrigation than established plants.

• Match frequency to soil – Clay soils hold moisture longer than sandy soils.

• Cutting time matters – Increase irrigation immediately after cutting to accelerate regrowth.

How Often Should You Water Alfalfa?

There is no universal watering schedule – it depends on many factors. Check soil moisture and plant signals regularly to determine your optimal frequency. Allowing moderate drought stress occasionally can promote deep rooting. But consistent moisture deficits will reduce yields. It’s a balancing act!

Watering Before and After Cutting

Timely irrigation around harvests is key:

• Before cutting – Irrigate 2-3 days prior to increase yields of next cutting.

• After cutting – Water again soon after cutting to stimulate rapid regrowth.

• Fall irrigation – Final seasonal irrigation prevents winter drought damage.

Implementing an Irrigation Plan

• Know your soil type and rooting depth – affects water holding capacity.

• Choose efficient irrigation system – drip, center pivot, etc.

• Use ET guides – estimate water needs based on evapotranspiration rates.

• Schedule based on growth stage – adjust for young versus mature stands.

• Vary frequency for weather – increase irrigation during heat waves.

• Allow moderate stress – promotes deep roots, but don’t overdo it.

• Measure rainfall – reduce irrigation if receiving adequate rain.

• Monitor soil moisture – use sensors or probes for accuracy.

Paying close attention to your alfalfa crop and understanding its water requirements is key to productive stands. Look for visual cues like wilting leaves and test soil moisture levels regularly. Adequate water ensures healthy, vigorous growth but overwatering causes issues too. Adapt your irrigation schedule as the plants grow and seasons change. With good water management, your alfalfa will thrive for top yields and quality.