UACES Facebook Alfalfa’s first cutting not far off; time to think about fertilization
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Alfalfa’s first cutting not far off; time to think about fertilization

Fast facts

    • Ideally, alfalfa should be fertilized after first and third cutting
    • Phosphorus, potassium key nutrients
    • Alfalfa may also need micronutrients copper and boron in small quantities

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Alfalfa loves potassium and phosphorus and growers will soon need to apply both to keep that legume stand going, said Dirk Philipp, assistant professor for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

“The alfalfa crop removes both elements at relatively high rates compared with other nutrients,” he said. The legume can remove phosphorus at the rate of 15 pounds per ton and potassium at a rate of 60 pounds per ton.

“The first cutting of alfalfa isn't far off,” he said. “And fertilizer should be applied after the first and third cutting of alfalfa.”

Phosphorus is important for alfalfa for root development and stand establishment. Potassium is important to maintain yields, reduce disease susceptibility and increase winter hardiness. Potassium is also critical for water-use efficiency, nitrogen fixing and photosynthesis. 

However, ensuring alfalfa has these nutrients means more than just putting these elements into the soil. The plant’s ability to take up phosphorus can be affected by soil pH – both high and low values can impair the plant’s ability to take up the element. Low soil temperatures, poorly aerated soils and soil compaction can also limit phosphorus uptake.

Factors impairing potassium uptake include compaction, cooler soil temperatures and the presence of large amounts of cations such as magnesium, calcium and sodium. 

Micronutrient needs

Alfalfa does not live on potassium and phosphorus alone and also needs boron and copper as micronutrients in small quantities.

“Unlike potassium and phosphorus, boron and copper can’t be applied in advance to be stored in the soil, but need to be applied on an as-needed basis,” he said. The availability of those micronutrients can be reduced if the soil has a pH higher than 7. “So applying more lime than needed is not recommended.”

Philipp said soil tests don’t always tell the whole story with alfalfa though and recommends plant tissue testing.

Recommendations include:

    • Making sure to select well-drained sites before newly establishing alfalfa
    • In existing stands, keep records of soil fertility and pH
    • Don’t just apply the immediate amounts of P and K needed, consult with extension personnel on how to build up enough P and K long-term to ensure high yields
    • Nutrient deficiencies show up in the plant – such as discolored leaves -- when it is too late; stay ahead of the fertilizer game.

For more information about livestock production, visit www.uaex.uada.edu, contact your county extension office or visit www.Arkansaslivestock.com.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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By The U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu

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