Shortcuts for Planting Alfalfa

Shortcuts for Planting Alfalfa

April 13, 2007

With Rain and Cold Delaying Fieldwork>

Weather delays as are likely this year and other field work often make it difficult to plant alfalfa at the optimum time. Fortunately, there are several shortcuts that can help save time at planting.

Conventional alfalfa plantings involve several tillage operations to prepare a seedbed, followed by drilling the alfalfa seed. Some folks, though, save time by using a floater or air seeder rather than a drill. This practice requires less tillage since it's best to leave the field slightly rougher than normal. The floater or air seeder then spreads seed much faster than a drill. But, make sure the custom applicator is experienced at spreading the seed evenly. After broadcasting the seed, you must incorporate the seed into the soil just a little. Two quick passes with a flat harrow or roller seems to work best.

No-till or low till seedings also can save much time. Bean stubble might be best, but small grain and even corn and sorghum stubble can be used. If residue is heavy, first shred or chop stalks so they are spread across the ground uniformly, and so the drill can cut through them easier. Also, if the field has much ridging from previous crop rows, disk lightly to level the ground so future trips across the field will not be so rough. If weeds already are present, spray a burn-down herbicide like Roundup® or Gramoxone®before planting if light disking didn't get them. Then seed no-till, and be ready to use a post-emergence herbicide like Poast Plus®, Select® , Buctril®, Pursuit® or Raptor® for early weeds.

Also, for best results remember to seed alfalfa by May 15 on dryland or June 1 with irrigation.

Bruce Anderson
Extension Forage Specialist

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A field of corn.