Marvin H. Hall

Alfalfa Establishment Guide

High yielding, high-quality alfalfa often provides the foundation for profitable feeding programs for dairy and other livestock. Thick, vigorous stands are essential for high yields (Fig. 1). Obtaining such stands is dependent on proper seeding practices and favorable seedbed and environmental conditions. The key factors for obtaining thick, vigorous stands are proper soil pH and fertility, seedbed preparation, crop sequences that avoid herbicide residues from previous crops, selection of high-quality seed, seeding at the right time, good seeding techniques with equipment precisely adjusted for seeding rate and depth, and adequate control of weeds and insects.

Review of Roundup Ready Alfalfa

Roundup Ready (RR) alfalfa is the first perennial forage species commercially released with a genetically modified trait (GMO). While not needed by all farmers who grow alfalfa, RR alfalfa may allow some farmers to more effectively establish alfalfa and control certain weed problems.