How to cultivate alfalfa
Here are some small experiences on the cultivation and management techniques of alfalfa for netizens, and the following is an introduction by the editor of this site.
Key points of cultivation management techniques are introduced as follows.
I. Tillage techniques
(1) Land selection Alfalfa is widely adaptable and can grow in various terrains and soils. However, the most suitable conditions are loose sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.5-7.5, winter temperatures of about -20°C, and annual precipitation of 300-800mm. It is not suitable to plant in low-lying and waterlogged areas. Alfalfa can be planted on slightly saline and alkaline lands, but when the soil salt content exceeds 0.3%, salt suppression measures should be taken. To facilitate mechanized transportation and operation management, it is best to choose large contiguous plots with drainage and irrigation measures.
(2) Land preparation Alfalfa seeds are small, and seedlings grow slowly, making them susceptible to weed damage. It is essential to prepare the land meticulously before sowing. The best time for land preparation is in the summer, with deep plowing and raking once, turning the weeds into the deep layer. If there are many weeds before autumn sowing, the land should be plowed deep again or tilled once, then leveled to meet sowing requirements. Alfalfa has root nodules that provide nitrogen to the roots, so applying nitrogen fertilizer is not recommended under general soil conditions. According to relevant studies, the yield increase effect of applying phosphorus fertilizer to alfalfa is significant, and the effect of applying a sufficient amount of base fertilizer and subsequent分期 fertilization is essentially the same. Before sowing, apply organic fertilizer at 2-3m2/acre and pure phosphorus at 8-16kg/acre. As alfalfa takes up a large amount of potassium during growth, some potassium fertilizer can be applied in areas with conditions to maintain high yields. To prevent weed growth in the seedling stage, 48% fluometuron (100ml/acre) can be sprayed into the soil before sowing, mixed into the soil to a depth of 5cm, with an effective period of 3-5 months.
II. Sowing
(1) Seed selection Choosing the right variety is the first step to successful alfalfa cultivation. As alfalfa is a perennial plant, once sown, it can be used for 2-3 years or even 4-5 years. If the wrong variety is chosen, it can cause damage for several years. Currently, the better-performing domestic varieties include Baoding alfalfa, Gannong No.1 mixed flower alfalfa, Xinjiang large-leaf alfalfa, Aohan alfalfa, and Zhongmu No.1 salt-tolerant alfalfa. Among the imported varieties, the American Queen, WL323, WL320, Ansta, Bailu, and the Japanese Riruoca and Beiruoca alfalfa perform well. The imported varieties have better upright growth, which is beneficial for mechanized harvesting.
(2) Seed treatment Some domestically produced seeds have many impurities and cannot guarantee quality, so they must be cleaned to achieve a purity of over 90%, a germination rate of over 85%, and a seed purity of over 98%. It is best to coat the seeds before sowing. According to the formula of 500kg seeds + 150kg coating material + 1.5kg adhesive + 75kg water + 1.5kg ammonium molybdate, the seeds can grow healthily without being harmed by diseases, pests, or weeds.
(3) Sowing time In the north, where there are two crops a year, autumn sowing is generally used. The soil has sufficient moisture and suitable temperatures, with fewer weeds and diseases. In the Shaanxi, Hebei, Shanxi, Shandong, Tianjin, and Beijing regions, autumn sowing is best, with the sowing period from August 10th to September 10th. Sowing too late can affect normal overwintering.
(4) Sowing methods and sowing rate Most areas use drilling as the main method, with a row spacing of 30cm, which is beneficial for ventilation, light, and field management. The general sowing rate is about 1kg/acre, less for seed production fields, and more for saline-alkali soils. Excessive sowing can lead to weak seedlings. Sowing depth is a key factor affecting seedling emergence, with the best depth being 0.5-1cm.
III. Field management
(1) Weeding Weeding is a main task in alfalfa field management, especially during the seedling stage and after summer harvesting, as the growth of alfalfa is weak during these periods, making it more susceptible to weed damage. It is essential to act promptly and follow standard procedures. The selection of herbicides should be cautious to avoid poisoning livestock.
(2) Irrigation and drainage Alfalfa has high water consumption, requiring 800L of water to produce 1kg of dry matter. Watering is necessary before winter, after regreening, and during dry spells. Coastal and low-lying areas should be mindful of drainage during the rainy season, as waterlogging for 24 hours can kill alfalfa.
(3) Disease and pest control It is essential to control diseases and pests promptly during the growth period of alfalfa, as it can affect yield and quality. General insecticides such as fenvalerate, dimethoate, and cypermethrin can be sprayed to control pests. If rust, brown spot, or downy mildew occurs, fungicides such as carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl can be used for control.
IV. Harvesting
(1) Harvesting period Generally, harvesting starts at the beginning of the flowering stage, when 1/10 of the flowers are open, and should not exceed the full bloom stage.
(2) Number of harvests and stubble height Alfalfa is a perennial plant with strong regenerative ability, and it can be harvested 3-4 times a year. The last harvest should not be too late, as it affects nutrient accumulation and is not conducive to safe overwintering. Generally, a growth period of 40-50 days should be left after harvesting. The stubble height should be 5cm.
The above information on how to cultivate alfalfa and the comprehensive knowledge of its cultivation and management techniques should help you.