Alfalfa and other legumes need more nutrients than most other crops we grow. For example, an average ton of alfalfa hay will contain about 50 pounds of nitrogen, 12 pounds of phosphate, 50 pounds of potash, and 4 pounds of sulfur. Well-nodulated legume plants get their nitrogen from the air. All other nutrients must come from fertilizer or the soil.
Use soil tests this fall to determine how much nutrition your soil can provide to your alfalfa and pasture legumes and how much needs to be added to achieve maximum profits.
This fall, before soils freeze, collect and analyze samples from fields you expect to plant or interseed next year. In fact, gather a "special" soil sample as well. Gather one sample from the usual seven-or eight-inch depth and another one only a couple inches deep. This shallow sample will determine if you have an acid surface layer, a situation that many growers have been finding. If the pH of your surface layer is below 6 but the deeper sample is above 6.2, the field needs lime, but only half the usual amount. If possible, apply that lime this fall so it can neutralize the acidity and speed seedling establishment next spring.
If the soil test indicates the field needs phosphorus, sulfur or potash, these also can be applied this fall or you can wait until planting next spring.
Bruce Anderson
Extension Forage Specialist
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