Released: April 02, 2003

Springtime is Alfalfa Time

MANHATTAN, Kan. – April and early May mean warmer weather, spring showers ... and an optimal time to plant alfalfa in Kansas, according to Kansas State University agronomist Jim Shroyer.

"April is really the best time to plant spring alfalfa," said Shroyer, who is a crops production specialist with K-State Research and Extension. "However, the crop can be planted into May in irrigated fields."

Planting alfalfa in the spring is less risky than planting in the late summer or fall, although the latter increases the amount of forage produced the first year.

"There is more moisture and less variance in the weather in the spring, which makes it less risky to plant alfalfa now. Also, spring planting allows the farmer to replant if last fall’s planting failed," he said.

Growers should have their soil tested to determine if phosphorus needs to be added.

Shroyer recommends choosing a well-adapted variety with a fall dormancy rating of 3 to 5, adding that disease resistance is also important.

"Ratings of 3 to 4 are best for the northern part of the state, and 4 to 5 are best for southern areas," he said. "The lower the number, the earlier the variety goes into dormancy and the less productive it is in the early fall."

Minimizing tillage can decrease planting costs while helping to maintain soil moisture levels, Shroyer said. He recommends as little seedbed preparation as possible.

"The more times the farmer goes across the field, the more it costs and the more moisture is lost," the agronomist said. "Due to its shallow planting depth, low surface moisture can cause germination and emergence problems for alfalfa."

He encouraged growers to consider the no-till option when preparing to plant alfalfa. One alternative is to plant alfalfa seed into the stubble of last year’s row crop, such as corn or soybeans.

"If there are no weeds growing, this ground is perfect for planting without tillage. The crop residue provides protection from erosion, and by not tilling, this method reduces moisture loss, saves time and cuts costs," Shroyer said.

He warned, however, that farmers be aware of possible herbicide carryover.

"Know the herbicide program in the previous crop and be wary of carryover that could damage the alfalfa," he said. "Pay attention to the label because there may be rotation restrictions."

Herbicides applied to small grain crops that may have detrimental carryover to alfalfa include Glean, Finesse, Amber, Ally, Ally Extra, Maverick, Rave and Peak, said Extension agronomist Dallas Peterson. Atrazine and Atrazine-containing products, which are often used on row crops, also can damage alfalfa.

Several herbicides are available for pre-plant incorporation and post-emergence applications for weed and grass control in alfalfa. Peterson suggests farmers consider a herbicide application if they anticipate a heavy weed problem.

Eptam, Balan and Treflan are labeled as pre-plant, incorporated herbicides for control of annual grasses and pigweeds, he said.

Post-emergent herbicides for alfalfa include Buctril, Butyrac 200, Poast Plus, Select, Raptor and Pursuit. Buctril and Butyrac 200 will control certain broadleaf weeds, while Poast Plus and Select are labeled for grass control. Raptor and Pursuit can control both broadleaf and grass weeds in alfalfa. Read and follow all label directions when using any pesticide, Peterson said.

Brand names appearing in this article are used for product identification only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism of similar products not mentioned.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Mary Lou Peter, Communications Specialist
mlpeter@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News