How do you take care of alfalfa?

How do you take care of alfalfa?

The key to good production is good drainage. Alfalfa does not grow well in areas where water lingers for very long. Alfalfa likes alkaline pH, and moderate soil salinity, but growth can be limited by excessive soil salinity.

When should I cut alfalfa seeds?

When alfalfa is seeded in the spring, the first cutting the same year should be done after flowers begin to appear, allowing greater energy reserves in the roots, she says. Generally, alfalfa will reach this stage of development between 60 and 70 days after emergence.

How long does it take for alfalfa seed to germinate?

Alfalfa seed germinates best at soil temperatures between 65-85°F. If soil temperature is 40°F, it takes alfalfa six days to germinate, but only two days at 65°F.

How long does it take alfalfa hay to dry?

It takes about 30 sunshine hours to field-cure non- conditioned hay in the Midwest, according to Univer- sity of Wisconsin studies. In the spring, this requires about four days and decreases to about three days in the summer. Humidity. temperature and wind speed also influence curing time.

How do you measure moisture in alfalfa?

To test the moisture content of forage you're planning to ensile or bale, use your microwave. It can take a few trials to become comfortable with the process, but it's quick, easy, and can provide a good estimate. Other options include moisture meters and probes, which can be fast, although results can be variable.

Can alfalfa be round baled?

are 15 in x 22 in x 44 in, weighing about 120 - 140 pounds. Cattle ranches use large round bales, typically 4 to 6 feet in diameter and weighing from 1000 to 2000 lb. Good average protein on horse quality Alfalfa hay is 17 to 19%. ... Horse quality Alfalfa is weed free, with an good stem to leaf ratio.

How do you keep alfalfa green?

The hay needs to be cut with full daylight. The heat from the sun on the stems will raise the vapor pressure of the moisture in the stems. Then the next day the hay can be raked. The leaves will rehydrate with the night dew but he stems will stay with the stem moisture they enter the dark of night with.