Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK
Oklahoma Alfalfa Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station

PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS High-yielding alfalfa requires deep soils to store an abundant water supply for season-long growth. High yield requires large quantities of water (from rainfall, water table, or irrigation). Alfalfa requires approximately 6 inches of water in the root zone for each ton of hay produced per acre per year. In addition soils should have a pH near neutral (6.6 to 7.5) and be fertile enough to supply large quantities of nutrients. The benefits of having a desirable pH include: decreased solubility of toxic elements increased availability of essential nutrients increased soil microorganism activity better nitrogen fixation. Harvesting 5 tons of hay/acre removes approximately 50 lb/acre of phosphorus (P205), 100 lb/acre of calcium, and 220 lb/acre of potassium (K2O). Eventually these nutrients must be replenished with fertilizer applications according to soil analysis. All soil textures (sands, loams, and clays) can be used for alfalfa; however, soils should be well drained to avoid root and crown diseases and allow oxygen to roots for nitrogen fixation by Rhizobium. Soils with pH near neutral favor nutrient availability and Rhizobium activity for good alfalfa production.

John Caddel, Forage Agronomist   Department of Plant and Soil Sciences   Oklahoma State University

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