Alfalfa: Alfalfa is an important hay and haylage crop in many states, but the amount produced in Louisiana is very limited. It requires excellent drainage, highly fertile soils, a near neutral soil pH and a high level of management. Many varieties are marketed, but only a few are adapted in Louisiana.
Have soil test results in hand well before planting alfalfa. Make sure the soil pH is okay. This means a pH above 6.0 and, for a beginning stand, above 6.5. Lime is expensive. If you have an acidic soil and can’t afford to lime, don’t plant alfalfa.
Alfalfa does not persist well in wet soil because its roots cannot maintain proper function in saturated conditions. The site has a soil pH that is too low. The soil pH needs to be equal to or greater than 6.5. Moreover, alfalfa requires the subsoil pH (8- to 24-inch depth) to be above a pH of 5.5.
This has made alfalfa production in the South increasingly attractive. Now, with new alfalfa varieties, more efficient harvest and curing systems, and improved production practices, it has become increasingly feasible to grow alfalfa in the South.
Can alfalfa be grown in the South?
Alfalfa is not a new crop in the South. It has been grown in the region since the late 1800’s and continues to be recognized as a superb forage species. Nonetheless, to date alfalfa has not attained the status in the South that it has in other parts of the nation.
Where does alfalfa grow best?
When growing alfalfa, choose an area with plenty of full sun. Also look for a well-draining area with a soil pH level between 6.8 and 7.5. Prior to planting you should clean the area, work the soil, and remove any debris. Pure alfalfa seed can be purchased from most feed supply stores.
What conditions does alfalfa need to grow?
Alfalfa does well on well-drained soil rather than wet, heavy clay soils and requires good soil pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.0. If your soil pH is lower than 6.5, symbiotic nitrogen fixation may not function properly. Thus, liming will be required to raise low soil pH to its optimum level and make better nutrient uptake.
Will alfalfa come back year after year?
You can harvest seeding-year alfalfa as early as 40 days after seedlings emerge. It takes plants about 40 days to become able to regrow from the crown after cutting. If plants are cut before this development occurs — maybe to control weeds — at least one set of leaves must remain on the plant for it to regrow.
What type of climate does alfalfa grow in?
Shoot growth is optimum at temperatures ranging from 72-76°F. Alfalfa stops growing when the air temperature is below 34°F. The effect of daylength on alfalfa establishment is less than that of temperature.
What temperature does alfalfa grow?
Alfalfa is predominantly grown in the northern and western United States; it can be grown in the southeastern United States, but leaf and root diseases, poor soils, and a lack of well-adapted varieties are often limitations.
Where do alfalfa plants grow?
Easily grown and propagated, alfalfa adapts well to nearly any garden, tolerating a wide range of growing conditions. It makes a good drought-resistant plant too, as it doesn’t like wet feet. In fact, too much moisture can lead to mold growth. When growing alfalfa, choose an area with plenty of full sun.
Where is alfalfa mainly grown?
Alfalfa seed is primarily grown in the northwestern areas of the U.S. in the states of California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Washington, and Wyoming.
Where can alfalfa be found?
Alfalfa is truly an international crop, and it is grown in temperate climates throughout the world. It is grown from inside the arctic circle in the northern hemisphere to southern South America. It is grown from sea level in some countries to elevations greater than 8,200 feet.
Where does alfalfa grow wild?
Alfalfa is often grown by farmers for pasturage and forage. However, it also has escaped into the wild in both rural and urban areas, where it can be found meadows, near rivers and woodlands, areas along roadsides and railroads, abandoned fields, vacant lots, and miscellaneous waste areas.
What happens if you don’t cut alfalfa?
Once your alfalfa does receive enough rain for regrowth it might regrow a little faster if it’s cut, but it also will regrow following sufficient rain without cutting. In most cases, it’s not worth the cost and time involved to shred, clip, or harvest low-yielding hay.
How tall should alfalfa be when you cut it?
2-inch height for all cuts during the season, 2-inch height for the 1st cut, 3-inch height for the 2nd and 3rd cuts, 3-inch height for all cuts during the season, 6-inch height for all cuts during the season.
More Answers On Will Alfalfa Grow In Louisiana
Planting alfalfa in Louisiana | Outdoor Board – TigerDroppings
Planting alfalfa in Louisiana. Anybody ever had any luck with it. Seems like it would be killer if you could get a good stand in a plot, just not sure if it can be done here. It can be done, but I don’t know the specifics. I’ve seen it, though. I’ve bought green bales at the co-op and put it in a trough for deer to eat.
Planting Alfalfa: How To Grow Alfalfa – Gardening Know How
Jul 27, 2021Since alfalfa roots quickly, it doesn’t require deep planting—only about a half inch (1 cm.) deep. Merely sprinkle the seeds evenly onto the soil and cover lightly with dirt. Use about ¼ pound of seeds per 25 square feet and space rows about 18 to 24 inches (46-61 cm.). You should begin to see sprouts within seven to ten days.
there are four basic prerequisites for successful alfalfa production: 1) selection of a well-drained site that allows for the development of a deep and healthy root system 2) a willingness to apply fertilizer and lime (as necessary) and control pests as required 3) the ability to harvest in a timely manner 4) a viable strategy for …
2021-2022 Cool-Season Pasture and Forage Varieties – LSU AgCenter
Jul 27, 2021Alfalfa: Alfalfa is an important hay and haylage crop in many states, but the amount produced in Louisiana is very limited. It requires excellent drainage, highly fertile soils, a near neutral soil pH and a high level of management. Many varieties are marketed, but only a few are adapted in Louisiana.
Common Mistakes in Growing Alfalfa – Noble Research Institute
Common Mistake Number 1: Site selection Alfalfa does not do well on hilly ground, rocky ground, shallow soils, eroded soils, etc. Ride along the highway and look at the fields where alfalfa is thriving; it is almost always on a level, bottomland site that is free of potholes. If you don’t have soil like this, don’t plant alfalfa.
Alfalfa in the South? – Progressive Forage
Create an open forum for industry discussion and an easy-to-read magazine of expert information about the forage industry. Assist forage producers in improving profitability and efficiency. Contact Details (800) 320-1424 (208) 324-7513 Progressive Forage PO Box 585 (Mailing) 238 West Nez Perce (Physical) Jerome, ID 83338, USA
Many butterfly species have been spotted in Louisiana, although some are more common to our area than others. In becoming more familiar with the butterflies in your garden, you may note some visitors not on this list. Certain regions or habitats attract species which may not occur in every loca- tion. Common Name Scientific Name Swallowtails
USDA/NASS 2021 State Agriculture Overview for Louisiana
Commodity Planted All Purpose Acres Harvested Acres Yield Production Price per Unit Value of Production in Dollars; SOYBEANS: SOYBEANS: 1,080,000: 1,060,000
6 Tips for Planting Alfalfa | WinField United
Apr 18, 2022For growers in warmer climates, seeding into early September is acceptable. For summer seeding, plant alfalfa with equipment that places seed in the soil, not on the soil surface, to ensure moisture availability for germination. 3. Control seeding depth. Plant alfalfa seeds three-eighths of an inch below the soil surface.
Lespedeza: Growing ’poor man’s alfalfa’ | Farm Progress
Sep 3, 2020It fills the summer grazing gap, growing in pastures in Missouri from June all the way through September. While annual lespedeza has tannins, they are at moderate to low levels, Roberts explains. … “We call it the ’poor man’s alfalfa’ because it can grow on a pH 5 soil,” he says. “Of course, it will grow on a pH 6 soil as well. It can …
Alfalfa | Diseases and Pests, Description, Uses, Propagation
Alfalfa plants can reach a height of 120 cm (47 in) and live for between 3 and 8 years. Alfalfa is also commonly referred to as lucerne and is believed to have originated in Caucasus area, north-western Iran and north-eastern Turkey. Alfalfa plants in bloom Alfalfa beds in field Alfalfa seed pods Close-up image showing trifoliate alfalfa leaf
Bulldog 805 Alfalfa Seed – hancockseed.com
Bulldog 805 Alfalfa is an excellent choice for perennial food plots for deer in the southern climates including Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Texas, South Carolina and Arkansas. The fall dormancy is 8. Product Information Application or Use: Ground Cover, Cover Crop, Cattle Forage, Livestock Grazing, Food Plot, Hay Production
Hay — Louisiana Ag in the Classroom
Louisiana does have a small amount of alfalfa hay production, which is primarily used in the horse industry. Louisiana has excellent conditions for growing hay, which requires plenty of rain followed by hot, dry weather for harvest. For a successful hay crop, farmers must manage their fields properly.
8 Common Weeds in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (and what they can tell you)
Nov 30, 2020Its branched stems grow from a rose-shaped base, and leaves are broad and lobed at the edge. When in bloom, the tiny flowers are yellow to orange-yellow and have five tiny “teeth” on the outer petals. It reproduces by seed, so is not that difficult to control, as long as you get at it before it flowers. Wild Violet Photo: Liz West
Alfalfa: Fall planting – Kansas State University
Irrigated fields can produce 8 to 12 tons per acre per year. Planting Tips When planting alfalfa, producers should keep the following in mind: Test the soil Alfalfa grows best in well-drained soils with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. If the land needs lime, add it before planting. Apply the needed phosphorus and potassium, too. Phosphorus is an annual input.
Planting methods for successful alfalfa establishment
First, spray the growing grass sod with a non-selective herbicide. Second, no-till plant an annual forage crop, such as winter wheat or rye, to smother regrowth of any grass sod or break-hard sod. Third, harvest winter annual forage crops. Fourth, spray herbicide before planting alfalfa. This article was published by Michigan State University …
Top Growth of Fall Planted SeedlinQ Alfalfa Date of Planting Top Growth 216179 September 22 8 inches October 24 2 inches November 27 Cotyledon and Unifoliate leaf The spring seeding was planted on February 9, 1979, maximum temperatures in the top 1 inch of soil averaged 710 F.
Grazing Alfalfa in Fall or Winter | UNL Beef
Oct 1, 2020Once cold temperatures set in, bloat risk decreases and becomes very low once 50 to 70% of the alfalfa is frozen and dried. Typically, this will occur in late fall, but warm and wet fall conditions may keep alfalfa growing until the early winter months.
Grazing Alfalfa – Are You Brave Enough? – Grass-Fed-Solutions.com
A lush field of pure 100% alfalfa (or clover) can crank out huge volumes of extremely high-quality grazing. Which means they have the potential to be fantastic for grazing and grass finishing cattle. But grazing this crop comes with a price… bloat risk. This bloat risk is why few farmers dare to graze pastures that contain more than 50% …
Alfalfa | FMC Ag US
Apr 29, 2021Alfalfa Grow a plentiful crop of alfalfa that’s rich in nutrients by controlling costly pest and weed damage. Filter States Recognized Select All Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota
Tips for growing and planting alfalfa food plots for deer in nebraska.
Proper soil pH is just as important as adequate fertility when getting fields in tip top shape for growing alfalfa. Alfalfa will not tolerate an acid soil (especially in the new seedling state) which is a pH reading of 6.2 or below. Proper alfalfa pH is much the same as that needed for a good clover food plot so shoot for a 6.8-7.0 pH range.
RDL Jun 3 1931 Alfalfa growing at LMO – Newspapers.com
Clipping found in Ruston Leader in Ruston, Louisiana on Jun 3, 1931. RDL Jun 3 1931 Alfalfa growing at LMO
Planting Calendar for for Places in Louisiana – Almanac.com
4 days agoFind the best dates for planting and transplanting vegetables, herbs, and fruit! Our free planting guide calculates the best dates for sowing seeds indoors and outdoors, and for transplanting seedlings into the garden—all customized to your location. Based on frost dates and planting zones.
Matrix Lesson – agclassroom.org
Ask students to consider calcium. Explain that it is an essential nutrient for both plants and people. When people do not get enough calcium in their diets, it is removed from their bones, weakening their skeletal system. Display a transparency of Master 4.1, Alfalfa with Calcium Deficiency.
Spring planting alfalfa | Morning Ag Clips
Mar 20, 2022For example, alfalfa grows best at 6.8 soil pH with a pH range from 6.5 to 7.5. Seed alfalfa between April 1 and May 15 in eastern and southern Nebraska, and sow seed between April 15 and May 15 in western and northern regions. Target seeding depth is ¼-inch to ½-inch in the fine-textured soils and ¾-inch depth in sandy soils.
Grazing alfalfa in the fall or winter | Top Headlines | wlj.net
Oct 9, 2020Alfalfa grazing in the fall provides high-quality forage and eliminates any issues of poor drying if attempting to make hay. In the fall, other pastures may already be fully utilized and crop residue unavailable or temporarily unavailable. All classes of livestock can benefit from grazing alfalfa. Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln …
Resurrecting ’Denali’ Alfalfa in Alaska | | frontiersman.com
Oct 5, 2020On July 2, 2020, staff at the PMC harvested 1.5 tons per acre of alfalfa of alfalfa on a 2.2 acre field. Later on Aug. 14, the crew harvested a second cut of 1.5 tons per acre. The first cut made …
Louisiana Crops Blog – LSU AgCenter
Threecornered Alfalfa Hopper Threshold in Louisiana. Over the past week, I have received a number of phone calls pertaining to what economic threshold should be used for Threecornered Alfalfa Hoppers (TCAH) in soy … Rootless corn has appeared in many fields during the early part of the 2016 growing season in Louisiana. Most are all of the …
Where will alfalfa grow? | Keeping A Family Cow
Where will alfalfa grow? Emergency! 911 Calls. Welcome! Welcome to the Farm. Family Cows and Farming. The Family Cow. Critters Other Than Cows. Bee Keeping. Chickens and Other Fowl. Dogs and Cats. Goats. Horses. Pigs. Rabbits. Sheep. Auction Barn. Member Showcase. In the News. Pasture Management and Feed.
Planting methods for successful alfalfa establishment
First, spray the growing grass sod with a non-selective herbicide. Second, no-till plant an annual forage crop, such as winter wheat or rye, to smother regrowth of any grass sod or break-hard sod. Third, harvest winter annual forage crops. Fourth, spray herbicide before planting alfalfa. This article was published by Michigan State University …
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