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 @ 530/872-2624, we'll be happy to help.