SOIL FERTILITY CRITICAL TO STAND ESTABLISHMENT

Getting a field ready for planting a new alfalfa stand involves several key steps. Proper site selection, choice of variety, fertilizing and liming, seedbed preparation, and timely sowing are all essential. These activities work somewhat independently with respect to their impact on the success of a new alfalfa field. That is, poor soil fertility cannot be corrected by selecting an improved variety; the best variety cannot overcome poor seedbed preparation or poor timing.   

Good soil fertility and proper soil pH are two of several cornerstones in the foundation to building a healthy field of alfalfa that will not only yield well, but also better tolerate common environmental stresses.   

Planning is the master key for opening the door to success. Soil testing early allows ample time to incorporate needed lime with the first tillage after wheat harvest. Phosphate and potassium fertilizer should be incorporated with a later tillage operation, closer to planting.   

It is sometimes tempting to cut back on needed fertilizer in the year of establishment because there are other major expenses, such as seed purchases, that cannot be avoided. However, because lime, phosphate, and potassium are all immobile in the soil, they are most effective and economically used when incorporated pre-plant. Putting off liming and fertilizing until after establishment can cost more in lost hay yield the first year than it would have cost for lime and fertilizer pre-plant.   

Taking representative soil samples and having them analyzed by a reliable laboratory, followed by proper incorporation of lime and fertilizer, is time and money well spent. It is normal to get $3 to $4 back from increased production for each $1 spent on fertilizer and lime.