Table of Contents
Quick Reference Growing Guide Plant Type: Perennial legume cover crop Low Planting Depth: 1/2 inch (seeds) Fabales Height: 24-36 inches Fabaceae Spread: 2-3 inches Medicago Water Needs: Moderate Sativa.
How tall should alfalfa be when you cut it?
2-inch height for all cuts during the season, 2-inch height for the 1st cut, 3-inch height for the 2nd and 3rd cuts, 3-inch height for all cuts during the season, 6-inch height for all cuts during the season.
What happens if you don’t cut alfalfa?
If it stays dry those new shoots could die off. Once your alfalfa does receive enough rain for regrowth it might regrow a little faster if it’s cut, but it also will regrow following sufficient rain without cutting. In most cases, it’s not worth the cost and time involved to shred, clip, or harvest low-yielding hay.
Does alfalfa grow back every year?
Alfalfa is a cool-season perennial commonly grown for feeding livestock or as a cover crop and soil conditioner. It’s ideal for improving the soil and providing erosion control. Alfalfa’s extensive root system nourishes both plants and soil.
When should you not cut alfalfa?
“Historically, it has been recommended that the final cutting of alfalfa be removed no later than four to six weeks before first killing frost.
How many years will alfalfa grow?
Perenniality—The fact that the crop grows for 4-8 years, grows quickly with warm conditions in the spring is a major advantage of alfalfa—it can utilize residual winter rainfall before irrigation is necessary.
Will alfalfa reseed itself?
Alfalfa is a crop that naturally tends to lessen its density over time because alfalfa doesn’t reseed itself. If population density is very low then a grower could consider planting a new field or interseeding with other species/grasses to improve the current crop.
How many times a year can you cut alfalfa?
The optimal compromise for higher forage quality and dry matter yield of alfalfa is to harvest the first cutting at the late-bud to first-flower stage and to make subsequent cuttings at 32-to-35 day intervals until late August or early-September, often referred to as a “4 summer-cut system.”May 13, 2010.
How many times can you harvest alfalfa per year?
For spring seedings which are made without a companion crop, two harvests can generally be made the first year, provided there are adequate rainfall and optimum levels of soil nutrients.
How many times can you cut alfalfa per year?
Similarly, research conducted in the Central Valley of California by Dan Putnam, University of California forage specialist, compared cutting alfalfa every 24 to 26 days (8 cuts per year), a 28-day schedule (7 cuts per year), and a 32-day cutting interval (6 cuts per year).
Is alfalfa invasive?
Alfalfa has been cultivated for forage worldwide. Alfalfa may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed. This species generally occurs as a weed in wildland areas of the Southwestern Region rather than as an invasive plant.
How much does it cost to plant an acre of alfalfa?
Establishment Costs. For this study, the cost is $966 per acre or $48,300 for the 50 acres. The alfalfa stand establishment cost is amortized over the 3-year stand life.
How many pounds per acre do you plant alfalfa?
Seeding rates should be between 12 and 15 pounds per acre. Prescribed seeding rates are designed to provide several times the seed needed to achieve optimal yield under ideal growing conditions. Seeding rates above 15 pounds per acre have no positive impact on yield (Table 3).
How tall should alfalfa be going into winter?
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS: Alfalfa needs 6 weeks of growth, uninterrupted by grazing or haying. Fall grazing should maintain 8 inches of stubble height; Winter grazing should maintain 4 inches of stubble height. Bloat risk can be reduced by making sure livestock are full prior to grazing.
What is a killing frost for alfalfa?
In its simplest form a killing freeze is when temperatures get cold enough to kill all the top growth on the alfalfa plant. The plant wilts, turns tan, and its leaves fall off. Alfalfa tops don’t die at any set temperature. Once alfalfa tops die, yield no longer increases and winterizing ends.
How long after a frost can you cut alfalfa?
The Critical Fall Harvest Period for alfalfa is the 6-week rest period (450 Growing Degree Days) preceding the average date of killing frost. Not cutting during this period allows alfalfa plants to re-grow and build up sufficient root reserves to survive the winter and grow more aggressively in the spring.
Does alfalfa require a lot of water?
Commonly cited ranges in water requirements for alfalfa are 18 to 36 inches of water per season. Alfalfa is quite tolerant of drought or extended periods without highly available water.
Should you Harrow alfalfa?
Alfalfa requires a good seedbed. If you fall into the latter category, prepare a good seedbed that is firm, smooth and free of large clods. This will require several diskings, followed by a harrow or cultipacker.
