GRAZING ALFALFA

When most of us think about "grazing alfalfa", we think about problems and opportunities. A possible use of alfalfa in a grazing program is adding it to an existing good grass pasture.  

A mixture of alfalfa (or clover) and grass can produce better forage quality with less nitrogen fertilizer. Another reason to consider the mixtures is they can drastically reduce bloat problems. Most bloat problems are caused by very lush legumes in pure (or nearly pure) stands. Mixed grass-legume pastures can be managed to produce a lot of milk or meat without bloat.  

A summary of recommendations about adding alfalfa to pastures follows:  

• Remove soil fertility and pH as limiting factors. Nitrogen is not recommended when sod seeding.  
• Apply fertilizer as indicated by soil testing to favor the legume in the beginning. Fall is usually the best time for alfalfa establishment, but spring plantings should not be ruled out always.  
• Remove available forage by grazing and/or mowing. Thatch (dead or alive) should be removed before applying herbicides and sowing.  
• Herbicides to suppress the grass without killing is usually an essential part of successful interseeding. Which herbicide depends on which grass is to be suppressed and when you plant.  
• Tilling is not necessary, but a planter that can put the seeds at 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep is important. Successful sowing rates vary widely. Two pounds per acre is definitely on the low side, and 20 pounds per acre is probably more than necessary.  
• Be satisfied with a stand of 5 to 20 seedlings per square foot -- many fewer than most pure alfalfa stands have in the beginning. Start grazing when alfalfa is almost knee high or as the grass starts crowding the legumes.  
• Be patient and start on a small area. Many producers want to start too big. If you are new at mixing grasses and legumes, there is a lot to learn about the new management system.