Profitable Alfalfa Hay Management Ideas

Harvest:
Time your harvest to re-growth of crown buds -when 60% of buds are 1/2" long. New alfalfa stands, check rooting depth before harvest. Delay harvest until roots well developed (rule of thumb 14" long tap roots). Stubble height of 3-4" recommended while using a sharp swather sickle. Allows for quick re-growth and keeps from tearing the alfalfa plants. Disc mowers work faster, without sharpening sickle.

Soil Preparation:
Deep rooted alfalfa needs open porous soil. Compaction from previous crops should be corrected by deep ripping in two directions. A fine worked powdered soil can lead to stand failure as soil 'flows' together when moisture is applied. We have found it better to have small clods (1-2" size) on some soils that hold the soil open for new seedlings to be established.

Soil Drainage:
Corrugation between border checks on clay soils have resulted in an additional year of stand life. These can also be used on soil that takes water slowly (slow permeability).

Irrigation:
Water penetration of the soil to 12" per irrigation. Use soil probe, tensiometers, and or gypsum blocks to check your irrigation. Check fields 7-10 days after irrigation to time next irrigation. Air, soil temperatures, wind, winds, humidity all affect irrigation timing.

For more Alfalfa Hay management tips, call Kellogg's Ag. Service, we'll be happy to help.