A Complete Analysis of the Key Technical Points for Alfalfa Planting and Management
Alfalfa is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family, and it is widely distributed in China. Alfalfa was originally a forage grass, mainly fed to livestock such as pigs and cattle. However, alfalfa is also a Chinese medicinal herb with relatively high medicinal effects, with benefits such as clearing the spleen and stomach and resolving bladder stones. It is now also grown on a certain area, so how should it be managed when planting alfalfa? Below, the editor will give everyone a brief introduction!
1. Intertillage and Weeding
Weeding is an essential management task when planting alfalfa, and it generally needs to begin at the seedling stage. This is because alfalfa seedlings have relatively weak growth ability, and if weeds are not removed in time, the weeds will rob the alfalfa of nutrients for growth, causing its growth to be hindered. Also, after summer harvesting, the 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 Missing Ones
After sowing alfalfa, sowing management must be done well to improve the germination rate of alfalfa. Then, after the alfalfa seedlings emerge successfully, the growth of the alfalfa should be observed frequently, and while clearing weeds, thinning should also be done well. When thinning, the principle is to keep the strong and remove the weak. Provide sufficient growing space for the robust seedlings, then observe whether there are gaps with missing seedlings, and if there are, promptly fill them with healthy seedlings of the same growth stage; replanting should not be done 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 well, and control the amount of fertilizer applied according to the soil fertility and the amount of base fertilizer used. Each year, topdressing is carried out during the green-up period of alfalfa and after harvesting, with fertilizers mainly consisting of phosphate fertilizer, urea, and so on. This provides sufficient nutrients for the growth of the next cutting 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 manage water well. Observe the field soil conditions, and water in time when drought is found. But at the same time, also pay attention to rainfall; if there is enough rainfall, then the watering frequency can be appropriately reduced, and if there is a continuous rainy season, drainage work should also be done well. Prevent excessive water in the field from causing waterlogging damage to alfalfa, leading to root rot 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, and once pests or diseases are found, corresponding treatment must be carried out in time. Otherwise, it will cause very serious effects on the yield and quality of alfalfa. Common pests and diseases of alfalfa include aphids, cutworms, leaf spot, and powdery mildew, etc. For pests, insecticides should be used reasonably to avoid harming alfalfa. For disease 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 for alfalfa planting and management. Pest and disease control in alfalfa is very important; avoid it as much as possible, otherwise as long as it occurs it will cause a certain impact, so everyone should pay more attention. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and we hope it can help everyone!