Although this amazing crop is well suited to a wide variety of conditions, there are a few requirements that must be met to keep alfalfa growing vigorously. This includes having the basic mineral building blocks…including adequate phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulfur (S), for example…in the rootzone for growing each new leaf and stem.

Here’s a brief review of some of the benefits of alfalfa production. It serves as a reminder of the benefits of keeping the crop in top shape with optimal nutrition this fall and year round:

• A healthy alfalfa stand provides excellent soil cover to protect soil from erosion and the extensive root system holds soil in place.

• Since no soil cultivation is required after planting, alfalfa fields have much less water and wind erosion than many other crops.

• Alfalfa roots can penetrate very deeply (frequently beyond 10 feet) in many soils. This extensive root system holds soil in place, creates channels that aid water infiltration and recovers nutrients from deeper soil layers.

• Water runoff from alfalfa fields is much less than from bare soil or many other types of cropland. Minimizing loss of sediment and chemicals is beneficial to surrounding waterways.

• Many weeds are suppressed by alfalfa production. A combination of the thick vegetative growth and frequent mowing minimizes many weed problems for alfalfa and may reduce the need for chemical treatment of following crops.

• The extensive root system of an alfalfa stand provides an excellent environment for soil microorganisms and improves soil physical properties as the soil becomes better aggregated.

• The ability of alfalfa roots to support specialized rhizobia bacteria to produce its own nitrogen (N) means there is virtually no need to add this nutrient for optimal growth when certain conditions are met, such as adequate soil supplies of other plant nutrients.

• Alfalfa can meet its own N need and also provide an important source of N to subsequent crops such as corn, wheat or cotton, thereby reducing the need for purchased N.

• Alfalfa produces a very high quality, high protein feed without the need for N fertilizer. To produce the same amount of protein from corn or other grains would require millions of additional acres of cropland at significantly increased cost.

• Alfalfa fields provide valuable perennial habitat and cover for many wildlife species.

• Although alfalfa is a major water user in many western states, the crop is actually one of the most efficient crops for overall water use efficiency (due to its high yield, high harvest index, perennial nature and deep rooting).

Harvested alfalfa removes large quantities of nutrients from the soil. Each ton of alfalfa removes about 15 pounds P2O5 and 60 pounds K2O, which can rapidly deplete nutrient reserves and cause a loss in yield and quality.

Research conducted throughout North America has repeatedly demonstrated that alfalfa is a truly remarkable crop…when managed properly. Maximum production of alfalfa begins with proper fertilization before planting and then regular maintenance of adequate nutrition through fertilization each year.  PD

References omitted but are available upon request at editor@progressivedairy.com

—Excerpts from International Plant Nutrition Institute

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