Maximizing N Benefits from Alfalfa
With the high cost of fertilizer, limited availability and the potential for more unpredictability in the market, many growers are looking for alternatives to limit commercial fertilizer use in 2022 and beyond.
There are a few reasons behind the significant increases -- natural gas prices and global supply challenges being two contributing factors. Fortunately, growers have options when it comes to cutting back applied fertilizer use and getting the most out of their cropping system.
One consideration is to limit the need for applied nitrogen by using less fertilizer intensive crops that don't cost as much to maintain during the growing season. Some of those options include planting legumes such as alfalfa or clovers that naturally fix nitrogen in the soil, which can eliminate the need for additional fertilizer.
Read below for considerations on getting the most nitrogen benefit from your alfalfa.
----------------------------------------------
Legumes Help with Nitrogen Shortages
Legumes fix nitrogen in soils, reducing or eliminating the need for applied fertilizer on subsequent crops like corn following alfalfa. Legumes can also produce and capture the nitrogen needed in pastures to eliminate the need for additional fertilizer. While you should utilize the natural ability of legumes to cut back commercial fertilizer use, consider where it may still be necessary. Learn more about how legumes can offset nitrogen shortages from Hay & Forage.
----------------------------------------------
The Nitrogen Potential of Alfalfa
Alfalfa offers flexibility to produce and breakdown nitrogen, making it ideal to use in crop rotations. As fertilizer prices continue to rise, more growers are considering planting legumes like alfalfa or clover to offset costs in their operation. Terminating thinning stands is one way to capture nitrogen in the soil for future crops. Learn more about the science that supports transitioning low-yielding alfalfa stands to nitrogen fertilizer from Progressive Forage.
----------------------------------------------
DLF Pickseed - Eclipse Alfalfa
Eclipse alfalfa has an industry leading disease package offering multi-race protection against Aphanomyces and Anthracnose. It exhibits excellent forage yield, improved forage quality and very high multifoliate leaf expression. Download the Eclipse alfalfa tech sheet.
----------------------------------------------
|
|
View our Product Guides! |
----------------------------------------------
Follow us on social media!
 |
 |
 |