Field Management of Alfalfa

Alfalfa, as a superior forage grass in the legume family, is favored by livestock such as cattle and sheep and becomes their first choice for daily feed . This grass not only has outstanding quality and high nutritional value, but also has perennial characteristics. It can be harvested for many years in a row after being planted once. Therefore, it is known as the "King of Forage Grass". Alfalfa has strong adaptability and can grow in a variety of soil and climatic conditions. Its planting area is also expanding year by year. After planting alfalfa, how to carry out effective management and maintenance is also a key link that cannot be ignored. Next, we will learn about the field management of alfalfa.

1. Weed control

In alfalfa fields sown in spring, weeds grow vigorously. Since alfalfa seedlings grow slowly, in order to protect the seedlings from competition with weeds, it is recommended to carry out 2 to 3 inter-row cultivation and weeding in a timely manner during the planting and growth management process according to the growth of weeds. For small-scale planting, manual weeding can be used; while for large-scale planting, it is recommended to use special herbicides , such as Alfalfa, to effectively control weeds and promote the healthy growth of alfalfa.

2. Moisture management

Alfalfa is highly drought-resistant but sensitive to hot and humid environments. Therefore, irrigation and drainage should be carried out reasonably to avoid excessive watering. During the seedling stage, the irrigation frequency should be appropriately increased to prevent the seedlings from dying due to lack of water. During drought periods, well-timed irrigation can significantly increase yields. Irrigation should be carried out once before sowing, and the soil should be kept moist after sowing. Irrigation should also be carried out after each mowing, but watering should not be done the day before harvest to avoid affecting mechanical operations.

3. Fertilizer management

When the alfalfa seedlings grow to 5 to 6 leaves, you can start applying top dressing, applying 2 to 5 kg of urea per acre to promote the growth of seedlings. Since alfalfa has the ability to fix nitrogen, phosphorus fertilizer and potassium fertilizer should be applied reasonably according to the growth conditions in the later stage.

4. Pest and disease control

Although alfalfa has a certain ability to resist diseases and pests, such as Gannong No. 9 and other varieties have strong resistance to thrips, field pest and disease management still needs to be strengthened. Timely mowing is one of the effective methods to control pests and diseases. Once pests and diseases are discovered, measures should be taken immediately for targeted prevention and control. In addition, treating seeds with fungicides before sowing can effectively prevent diseases and pests and increase seed germination rate and field emergence rate.

5. Harvest management

In order to obtain high-quality forage, the best time to harvest alfalfa is during the early flowering period, when the forage is rich in nutrients, the roots have sufficient nutrient reserves, and the regeneration ability is strong. When harvesting, be careful to leave a 5 cm stubble to facilitate the sprouting of new buds at the roots. If making hay, it can be done during the peak flowering period and can be harvested 3 to 5 times a year. In cold areas where frost is frequent, the last crop of grass should be harvested within one month before winter to ensure that the seedlings can safely overwinter.

In short, the planting life of alfalfa can reach 6 to 7 years, but the yield and quality of different varieties vary. Therefore, seeds should be carefully selected and identified before planting to avoid affecting later yields and growth conditions.