How to grow alfalfa? Planting methods and key technical points
Alfalfa is widely grown across Eurasia and around the world as feed and forage. The stems and leaves of alfalfa are tender and tasty; whether fed green, processed into grass meal, used in compound feed or mixed feed, all kinds of livestock and poultry prefer it most, and it is also the first-choice green feed for the pig and poultry industries. So, how should alfalfa be planted?
1. Planting techniques for alfalfa
1. Planting time: Alfalfa can be planted in spring, summer and autumn. When sowing in spring, pay attention to weed control; in summer, pay attention to scorching from high temperatures. Generally, autumn planting is preferable, and the specific planting time should be decided according to local climate conditions.
2. Seed treatment: The seeds should be cleaned and sun-dried so that the seed purity reaches 90%. When conditions permit, qualified seeds can be inoculated with alfalfa rhizobia; if the relevant conditions are not available, sow directly.
3. Land preparation before sowing: Apply 50 kg of superphosphate per mu to the planting plot as base fertilizer; after fertilizing, carry out deep plowing and remove weeds, then harrow and level before sowing.
4. Sowing method: For spring and autumn sowing of alfalfa, sow promptly when soil moisture is adequate, preferably by precision drilling in rows. After sowing, harrow and level promptly to help preserve soil moisture.
5. Field management: After alfalfa emerges, weed promptly and carry out pest and disease control. Common diseases include downy mildew, rust and powdery mildew. Irrigate promptly during drought, but do not allow waterlogging.
6. Harvest in time: Harvest at the early flowering stage, that is, when 50% of the plants are flowering. At this time the grass is most nutritious, stem and leaf yields are high and it is easy to digest. It can be harvested 4-6 times per year. After harvesting, sun-dry the alfalfa to reduce its moisture content before storing.
The above are the main points to note when planting alfalfa. When planting alfalfa, be sure to consider the local specific climate and flood and drought conditions, and plant accordingly; do not make sweeping generalizations.