University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

March 31, 2006

Applying manure before seeding alfalfa

If you have a source of manure and are considering where it might best be applied this spring, one good choice would be a field about to be seeded to alfalfa. At first glance, this recommendation may seem counter productive since alfalfa is not likely to benefit from the nitrogen in the manure, but manure is also rich in phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and many micronutrients that alfalfa needs in large quantities.

Research shows that applying as much as 12,000 gallons or 50 tons of dry manure per acre before planting alfalfa can boost alfalfa yield more than commercial fertilizers at the same nutrient levels. And, yield increases occur on both low and high fertility soils with manure while only low fertility soils responded to commercial fertilizer. Other factors like improved soil tilth, increased soil microbial activity, micronutrients, and early nitrogen availability may be the reason manure increased alfalfa yield so well.

Use a soil test and a manure test to determine how much manure to apply. Mix manure well into the soil using tillage, making sure to prepare a firm seedbed so new alfalfa seedlings will emerge rapidly and vigorously.

Also, plan your weed control program carefully because manure can stimulate weed seedlings. Proper timing of seeding, firm seedbeds, and herbicides or clipping can control weed pressure.

Bruce Anderson
Extension Forage Specialist, Lincoln

You've got mail!
To receive Email notification when the latest Crop Watch is posted to the Web, use this form.

Copyright 2006 by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. All rights reserved.
Published by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperating with the counties and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln does not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, disability, race, color, religion, marital status, veteran's status, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation.