How much alfalfa seed to sow per mu

SummaryFor planting alfalfa on one mu of land, sowing about 4-6 jin of seed is more suitable. Common alfalfa varieties include purple-flowered alfalfa, Baoding alfalfa, large-leaf alfalfa, Ruoye alfalfa, etc. In the meantime, you can choose suitable varieties for planting according to the actual conditions of the growing area. The suitable sowing period for alfalfa is March-April in spring, or August-September in autumn.

1. How much alfalfa seed to use per mu

An precise sowing density for alfalfa seed helps increase yield and quality. If too much seed is used per mu, it will affect the emergence rate; if too little seed is used, it will waste land resources. Therefore, sowing 4-6 jin of alfalfa seed per mu is relatively suitable.

2. Alfalfa planting methods

1. Choose varieties

There are many alfalfa varieties. Whether the alfalfa variety is chosen correctly is the basic condition that determines the success of alfalfa planting. In recent years, the alfalfa variety with relatively good planting prospects is mainly purple-flowered alfalfa, followed by Baoding alfalfa, large-leaf alfalfa, and Ruoye alfalfa. Therefore, you can choose suitable varieties for planting according to the actual conditions of the growing area.

2. Land selection and preparation

(1) It is suitable to plant in loam and sandy soil close to a water source, with loose soil texture, and moderate or slightly alkaline soil pH. Generally, except for clay, other soils can be used for planting, except that the yield and quality of alfalfa will differ relatively.

(2) When plowing the soil, weeds in the field need to be removed, and then deep ploughing is carried out. After the soil is finely broken up and leveled, select high-quality seeds that are plump, healthy, free of pests and diseases, and good in color, then coat the seeds with a special treatment formula. This helps improve the resistance and germination rate of the seeds.

(3) According to climate differences among regions in our country, alfalfa is generally planted in spring and autumn, that is, March-April and August-September each year. The specific sowing time should be determined according to actual conditions. Sowing methods include dibbling, drilling, and broadcasting, but drilling is generally adopted, as it facilitates later field management. You can sow with a row spacing of 30cm, then cover the seeds with soil.

4. Field management

First, check the seedlings in the field, and fill in seedlings where the seedlings are relatively sparse. Then water and fertilize the seedlings. Sufficient fertilizer and water are beneficial to the growth of alfalfa, but if water accumulates in the field, it should be drained in time. For fertilization, special alfalfa bacterial fertilizer can be used, and an appropriate amount of phosphate fertilizer and organic rotten fertilizer can also be added. Weeding is needed at least 3 times throughout the year, usually at the seedling stage and after each harvest.

5. Pest and disease control

Common alfalfa diseases include rust, brown spot, powdery mildew, downy mildew, etc. During this period, chemicals such as carbendazim, chlorothalonil, and thiophanate can be used for control. The main pests of alfalfa are borers, as well as some pests that harm green leaves. During this period, chemicals such as fenitrothion and dimethoate can be used for control.

6. Reasonable harvesting

Alfalfa can be harvested at least about 3-4 times throughout the year, and one sowing can produce for several years. Therefore, it can be harvested at a suitable time. The first harvest can be carried out when alfalfa has a small number of flowers, generally harvesting once every about 35-45 days. After each harvest, weeding and fertilization should be carried out, which helps promote the growth of alfalfa branches and leaves.