Test 1 Alfalfa

How far do alfalfa roots penetrate?

20 feet deep

Fields should be free of what?

Perennial Weeds

What is atoxin that is produced from alfalfa that can reduce germination and growth of new seeds (Alfalfa tends to try and kill itself)

Autotoxicity

What is the waiting period before planting new alfalfa?

1 year

Where are autotoxic compounds located in the plant?

The Leaves

What is one the most important fertility concerns for establishment and maintaining high yeild alfalfa?

Lime

WHat should the soil pH for lime yield?

6.7-6.9

When should you apply lime?

12 months before

When/how often is lime spread?

4-5 years

What are the nurients needed during establishment?

Phosphorus

Potassium

sulfer

Nitrogen

Manure

What nutrient is used most by crops?

Phosphorus

What nutrient does alfalfas yield and stand survival depend on?

Potassium

What nutrient is the Alfalfa usually short on?

Potassium

What does element sulfur need to turn into?

Sulfate-Sulfur

When is sulfur applied?

At seeding

What is the application rate for Sulfur?

50Ibs/acre

What nutrients does manure have?

All of them

When should manure be added and how?

It should be added before seeding and should be thoroughly mixxed with the soil

What should you keep in mind when selecting a variety?

Yield potential

Persistence

Winterhardiness

Disease resistance

Forage Qualitty

What should you think about when looking for varieties?

Similar soil

Climate

Whats at your farm

Does a younger strand or older strand yield better?

Younger stand

What is measured by determining how tall alfalfa grows in the month folowing the September 1st cutting?

Fal dormancy