FERTILIZING ALFALFA

One of the main problems leading to low alfalfa yields and short stand life is lack of proper fertilization. Producers should not forget to take soil samples every year or every other year from alfalfa fields. Fertilizer should be applied annually, following recommendations based on the analysis.   

Don't guess at what your alfalfa stands need. Soil tests are very inexpensive and can save producers a lot of money, in addition to extending the productive life of stands.   

Soils vary from field to field and even from one part of a field to another. Be sure soil samples represent the field. You may still remember that certain parts of some fields did not yield as well as other parts this past summer. Those areas should be sampled separately to get the best sample and analysis. Variable rates may be applied if soil tests show significant differences in fertility within one field.   

The fall is a good time to apply fertilizer to alfalfa. It has just finished using many of the soil nutrients and should go into the winter with plenty of fertilizer.