A Detailed Explanation of the Latest Technical Methods and Key Points for Alfalfa Planting and Management
Alfalfa is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family (Fabaceae) and has a wide distribution range in China. Alfalfa was originally a forage grass, mainly fed to livestock such as pigs and cattle. However, alfalfa is also a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with relatively high medicinal efficacy, having effects such as clearing the spleen and stomach and resolving bladder stones. There is now a certain planting area as well, so how should alfalfa be managed when planting it? Below, the editor will give everyone a brief introduction!
1. Intertillage and Weeding
Weeding is an essential management task when planting alfalfa, and weeding generally needs to begin at the seedling stage. This is because alfalfa has relatively weak growth ability at the seedling stage, and if weeds are not removed in time, the weeds will rob the alfalfa of growth nutrients, causing its growth to be hindered. Also, after summer harvesting, temperature and humidity are relatively high, and weeds grow quickly, so weeding must also be done in time at this time.
2. Checking Seedlings and Replanting
After sowing alfalfa, sowing management work must be done well to improve the germination rate of alfalfa. Then, after the alfalfa seedlings successfully emerge, the growth of the alfalfa should be observed frequently. While clearing weeds, thinning work should also be done well. When thinning, the principle is to keep the strong and remove the weak. Provide sufficient growth space for the robust seedlings, then observe whether there are gaps where seedlings are missing, and if so, promptly fill them with healthy seedlings of the same growth. Replanting should not be carried out on sunny days.
3. Timely Topdressing
Although alfalfa has relatively strong growth ability, sufficient nutrients can further improve the growth of alfalfa, increase yield, and enhance quality. Therefore, during the planting process, we should pay attention to doing topdressing work well, and control the amount of fertilizer applied according to the soil fertility and the amount of base fertilizer used. Each year, topdressing should be carried out during the green-up period and after harvesting of alfalfa, with fertilizers mainly consisting of phosphate fertilizer, urea, and so on. This provides sufficient nutrients for the growth of the next crop of alfalfa and avoids a decline in yield.
4. Timely Watering
Alfalfa has a relatively large demand for water throughout its entire growth period, so we likewise need to do a good job in water management. Pay attention to observing the field soil conditions, and water promptly when drought is found. But at the same time, also pay attention to rainfall. If there is sufficient rainfall, then the watering frequency can be appropriately reduced, and if there is a continuous rainy season, drainage work must also be done well. This prevents excessive water in the field from causing waterlogging damage to alfalfa, leading to root rot and decay, and affecting normal growth.
5. Pest and Disease Control
Pest and disease control is a very important management task in the process of planting alfalfa. Once pests or diseases are found, corresponding treatment must be carried out promptly. Otherwise, it will cause very serious impacts on the yield and quality of alfalfa. Common pests and diseases of alfalfa include aphids, cutworms, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. For pest damage, insecticides should be used reasonably to avoid harm to alfalfa. For disease prevention and control, prevention should be the main approach. Not only should land preparation be done well and seeds disinfected, but management should also be strengthened, with reasonable harvesting and storage.
The above is a brief introduction to the key technical points of alfalfa planting and management. Pest and disease control work for alfalfa is very important. Avoid it if possible, otherwise it will cause a certain impact whenever it occurs, so everyone should pay more attention. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can help everyone!