CAN NEW STANDS BE FERTILIZED AFTER SOWING?   

Soil should be fertilized and limed before sowing according to recommendations based on good soil tests. Sometimes this important step is skipped and the producer is in a quandary as to what to do. The last thing he wants to do is to plow up the new stand.   

Phosphorous and potassium fertilizers as well as lime can be applied to the soil surface without incorporation; however, their efficiency is reduced. It would be better to apply fertilizer and lime after sowing than to do nothing.   

Remembering that the efficiency of the materials will be reduced, do not try to save money by cutting back on application rates. It may be better to apply a little more than recommended for incorporation before sowing. It will take longer for these materials to affect the plants, and the first harvest next spring may be reduced if deficiencies are great. 
 
Additional Information:   

• Alfalfa Stand Establishment Questions and Answers. OSU Extension Circular E-949  

• Alfalfa Stand Establishment. OSU Extension Facts F-2089   

Jim Stritzke
Former Alfalfa Weed Control Specialist 
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences 
Oklahoma State University