Alfalfa Management for Greater Profits

The goal is to have good seed-soil contact.  A prepared seedbed should be firm but not compacted.

Seeding Rate: 7-8 kg/acre (15-17 lbs/acre) at a depth of 1-2 ½ cm using a precision band or a cultipacker seeder.  If broadcasting, increase rates by 20%.

Weed Control: Alfalfa seedlings do not compete well against weeds.  A clean seedbed is recommended.  Consult publication 75 for suggested herbicides to use before and after planting.

Fertility and pH: Soil and pH tests are recommended to determine the fertility required for optimum growth and yield potential.  Ideal pH is 6.5 – 7.5.

Harvesting: First year spring seedlings are usually harvested about 75 days after emergence.  Subsequent cuttings are normally ready about 35 -40 day intervals, depending on temperature and moisture.  Stands that are 2 year old or more can be harvested more frequently.  First cut at bud to early bloom and 35 - 45 days apart.  More frequent harvesting produces higher feed quality but may decrease that stand’s life.  Alfalfa needs time to build reserves for the following year, therefore be sure to observe your area’s fall rest period.

Re-seeding: Productivity is greatly reduced when stands fall below 5 plants / sq. ft.  At this time, a new field should be established.

Overseeding:

No-till Seeder will cut a narrow slit in the soil for excellent seed placement.  Plant 2 – 3 cm deep.

Broadcast Seed either by hand or using a spinner type spreader over the entire area.  When using a broadcast seeder, harrowing is recommended to move the seed into good seed soil contact. 

Frost Seeding in late fall or early spring, allows the frost to “pull the seed” not good seed-soil contact.

Pasture Management for Greater Profits

For a new seeding follow the recommendations for seeding Alfalfa: a well prepared seedbed, free of weeds, and fertilized for optimum production.  Plant seed shallow at a depth of 1 – 2 cm.  A nursery crop of oats or barley at 15 – 20 lbs/acre would be beneficial; if spring seeded, this can be cut and grazed.  Each year proper management includes fertilizing, clipping mature ungrazed growth, and care should be taken not to overgraze.

For Best Results: Livestock should not be allowed to graze the area until new seeding is established; approx. 40 growing days.  Then graze for 5 – 6 days maximum and move livestock to another paddock.  Graze again after a rest period of 20 – 25 days. 

 GENERAL SEEDING FOR VARIOUS FORAGE CROPS

KIND OF SEED	RATE TO SOW Kgs / Acre	APPROX. NO. OF SEEDS / Kg	DEPTH TO SOW In centimetres
Alfalfa – drilled Birdsfoot trefoil Bluegrass for pasture Bromegrass Clover – Alsike Clover – Ladino Clover – Red Fescue – Tall Fescue – Meadow Millet – Japanese Orchardgrass for hay Pasture Mixtures Ryegrass Sorghum-Sudangrass Sudangrass Timothy	7 – 8 2.5 9 – 14 10 2 ½ - 3 2 – 3 3 – 6 6 -8 10 – 14 10 – 14 10 – 13 10 – 13 13 – 16 12 – 23 5 – 8 5	496,035 807,545 5,070,580 297,621 1,488,105 1,921,640 595,242 496,035 476,194 317,462 1,429,573 ------- 496,035 54,564 119,048 2,480,175	1 – 2 ½ 1 1 1 1 – 2 ½ 1 1 – 2 ½ 1 1 1 – 2 ½ 1 – 2 ½ 1 – 2 ½ 1 2 ½ - 4 2 ½ - 4 1