Cool Season
Alfalfa, the Queen of Forages, is a upright branched perennial. It has a strong tap root. New varieties are being released that are more salinity tolerant. Alfalfa has a relatively high water use, but can fix a large amount of nitrogen. Strong winter hardiness.
Seeds per pound: 225,000 Seed/sq ft/pound of seed: 5.6
Uses:
- Nitrogen builder
- Hay source
- Erosion control
- Weed suppression
- Grazing potential
- Pollinator attracter
Strengths:
- Yield and quality
- Easy to establish
- Reduces soil compaction
- Concerns: High water use
- High phosphate and potassium use
- Bloat concerns
Grazing:
Good regrowth, good yield, good palatability if
mixed with grass, bloat concern.
Hay:
Good yields and quality.
Mycorrhizal support? Yes
