General Information

An introduction to alfalfa production systems in California.

Articles

Stand Establishment

Start by choosing a site for your alfalfa stand. Monitor the growth and development of your new stand. Time spent planning and preparing for stand establishment pays off.

• Choosing Appropriate Sites for Alfalfa Production (2008) by Steve B. Orloff from the Irrigated Alfalfa Manual
  Alfalfa Growth and Development (2008) by Shannon C. Mueller, Larry R. Teuber
  Alfalfa Stand Establishment (2008) by Shannon C. Mueller, Carol A. Frate, Marsha Campbell Mathews
  Key Practices for Alfalfa Stand Establishment (2012) by Dan Putnam
  Small Grains Seedbed Preparation and Residue Management (2012) by Kent L Brittan

Old Stand Management

Learn about how to manage your old stands with removal, crop rotation, and overseeding. Overseeding another forage species into a depleted alfalfa stand can extend stand life and improve yield.

• Overseeding & Companion Cropping in Alfalfa
  Managing Older or Depleted Alfalfa Stands
  Overseeding And Management Of Older Alfalfa Stands (2003)
  Overseeding as a pest management tool in alfalfa in the Sacramento Valley
  Overseeding Orchardgrass Into Alfalfa (1998) by J. Morris
  Strategies For Extending The Life Of An Alfalfa Stand Using Overseedings (1996)
  MANAGEMENT OF DEPLETED ALFALFA STANDS by Steve Orloff

Variety Selection

Learn how to select the appropriate variety of alfalfa for your location and pests.

Articles

Irrigation

Learn how to use soil moisture blocks for monitoring soil moisture in alfalfa or pasture.

• Irrigating Alfalfa in Arid Regions (2008) by Blaine R. Hanson, Khaled M. Bali, Blake L. Sanden
  Utilizing Soil-Moisture Monitoring to Improve Alfalfa and Pasture Irrigation Management (2003) - Crop Management Network
  Soil-Moisture Monitoring: A Simple Method to Improve Alfalfa and Pasture Irrigation Management (2001) brochure
  Getting the Most From Center Pivots (1998) by Guy Fipps
  Irrigation Scheduling of Alfalfa Using Evapotranspiration (2008) by Richard L. Snyder, Khaled M. Bali
  Flood vs. Pivot Irrigation for Forage Crops: What are the Advantages and Disadvantages? (2008) by Paul W. Brown
  How Much Water Does Alfalfa Really Need? (2008) - 38th California Alfalfa & Forage Symposium
  Forage Production Strategies with Limited Water Supplies (2007) by Blake L. Sanden, Daniel H. Putnam, Blaine R. Hanson
  Subsurface Drip and Furrow Irrigation Comparison with Alfalfa in the Imperial Valley (2001) by R.B. Hutmacher et al.

Documents

Plot Plan Creator v1.3

Soil Fertility

Learn about alfalfa fertilization and soil testing.

• Alfalfa Fertilization Strategies (2008) - Irrigated Alfalfa Manual
  Maximizing Fertilizer Efficiency Through Tissue Testing and Improved Application Methods (2008)
  What in the World? A Global Fertilizer Perspective (2008)
  Using Dairy Manure as a Nitrogen Fertilizer for Forage Crops (2008) by Marsha Campbell Mathews, David Crohn
  Soil Applied and Water Applied Phosphorous Application (2000)
  How much fertilizer do I need? Soil testing and Alfalfa fertilization (1998) by Tim Hays

Documents

Plot Plan Creator v1.3

Weed Management

Learn how to manage weeds in alfalfa.

Articles

• Weed Management in Alfalfa (2008) by Mick Canevari, Ron N. Vargas, Steve B. Orloff
  Avoiding Weed Shifts and Weed Resistance in Roundup Ready Alfalfa Systems (2009) - UCANR Publication
  Weed Management Options for Alfalfa in Ground Water Protection Areas (2005)
  Plant Poisonings in Livestock (2008) by Birgit Puschner
  Weed Management Options for Alfalfa in Ground Water Protection Areas (2005) by Ron N. Vargas
  Integrated Pest Management in Forage Alfalfa (1998) by Charles G. Summers
  Livestock-Poisoning Plants of California (2010) - UCANR Publication

Insect Management

Learn how to manage insects in alfalfa.

• Managing Insects in Alfalfa (2008) - Irrigated Alfalfa Manual
  Integrated Pest Management in Forage Alfalfa (1998) by Charles G. Summers
  2011 Winter Survival, Fall Dormancy & Pest Resistance Ratings for Alfalfa Varieties Leaflet
  Spring Stubble Application in Alfalfa for Season Long Management of Threecornered Alfalfa Tree Hopper, Spissistilus festinus
  Management of Egyptian Alfalfa Weevil and Protection of Yields with Selected Insecticides (2002) by Larry Godfrey, Daniel Putnam
  Preventing the Off-Site Movement of Pesticides in Alfalfa (2001) by Daniel H. Putnam

Vertebrate Pest Management

Learn how to manage vertebrate pests in alfalfa.

• Integrated Management of Vertebrate Pests in Alfalfa (2008) - Irrigated Alfalfa Manual
  Controlling Vertebrate Pests in Alfalfa (2005) by Duane L. Schnabel
  Vertebrate Pest Control in Alfalfa Hay (1997) by Desley A. Whisson
  Integrated Pest Management in Forage Alfalfa (1998) by Charles G. Summers
  Meadow Voles and Pocket Gophers - Pacific Northwest Extension Publication

Diseases

Learn how to manage diseases in alfalfa.

Articles

• Alfalfa Diseases and Management (2008) - Irrigated Alfalfa Manual
  2008 Winter Survival, Fall Dormancy & Pest Resistance Ratings for Alfalfa Varieties Leaflet
  Integrated Pest Management in Forage Alfalfa (1998) by Charles G. Summers

Nematodes

Learn how to deal with parasitic nematodes in alfalfa.

Articles

• Parasitic Nematodes in Alfalfa (2008) - Irrigated Alfalfa Manual
  Alfalfa Nematodes in Idaho (1998) by Saad L. Hafez
  Alfalfa Nematodes: What Can Be Done? (2008) - 38th California Alfalfa & Forage Symposium and Western Alfalfa Seed Conference
  Press Release: Sudden Outbreak of Alfalfa Stem Nematode Tackled by UC Cooperative Extension (2009) - UCANR News
  Integrated Pest Management in Forage Alfalfa (1998) by Charles G. Summers
  2008 Winter Survival, Fall Dormancy & Pest Resistance Ratings for Alfalfa Varieties Leaflet

Diagnostic Key

Use this key to identify possible pests and diseases in alfalfa.

• Diagnostic Key to Problems in Alfalfa (2008) - Irrigated Alfalfa Manual
  Diagnosing Field Problems (1993) by Mick Canevari - 23rd California Alfalfa Symposium
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Harvest Management

Learn how to make important harvest management decisions for your alfalfa crop. Harvest timing and cutting schedules have a profound influence on nutritional quality, forage yield, stand life, and overall profitability.

• Harvest Strategies for Alfalfa (2008) by Steve B. Orloff, Daniel H. Putnam - Irrigated Alfalfa Manual
  Harvesting, Curing, and Preservation of Alfalfa (2008) by Steve B. Orloff, Shannon C. Mueller - Irrigated Alfalfa Manual
  Cutting Schedule Strategies to Maximize Returns (2006) by Steve B. Orloff, Daniel H. Putnam
  Using Varieties or Cutting Schedules to Achieve Quality Hay - What are the Tradeoffs? (2003)
  Battle of the Balers: Mid-Sized Bales (1998) by Dennis Dunlea
  The Crusher: Effect of Harvest Technique on Alfalfa Drying Time (1998) by Ivan J. Cook
  Battle of the Balers: Small Bales (1998) by John Bennett

Forage Quality and Testing

Test to ensure you are producing high quality forage. An article in Hay & Forage Grower Magazine describes common abuses of the hay testing process (see articles below).

Articles

• Forage Quality and Testing (2008) - Irrigated Alfalfa Manual
  Alfalfa Utilization by Livestock (2008) - Irrigated Alfalfa Manual
  Understanding Forage Quality (2001) - NFTA (The National Forage Testing Association)
  The Future of Alfalfa Forage Quality Testing in Hay Markets (2006) by Daniel H. Putnam, Dan Undersander
  Forage Quality Testing and Markets: Where are we Going? (2004) - 34th California Alfalfa & 2004 National Alfalfa Symposium
  Don't abuse that hay test! by Daniel H. Putnam - Hay & Forage Grower Magazine
  Evaluating Hay for Horses: Myths and Realities (1998) by Laurie Lawrence - 28th California Alfalfa Symposium
  What are Dairy Nutritionists Looking for in Alfalfa Hay? (1998) by Peter H. Robinson - 28th California Alfalfa Symposium
  Proper Sampling Methods Improve Accuracy of Lab Testing (1998) - UC Cooperative Extension

Economics and Marketing

Learn about the economic value of alfalfa and see market summaries for alfalfa crops and other commodities.

Articles

• Alfalfa Marketing and Economics (2008) - Irrigated Alfalfa Manual
  Annual Alfalfa Hay Cumulative California Market Summary (2009) - USDA-AMS
  Coexistence for Organic Alfalfa Seed and Hay Markets (2008) -NAFA (National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance)
  Coexistence for Alfalfa Hay Export Markets (2008) - NAFA (National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance)
  Coexistence for Alfalfa Seed Export Markets (2008)
  Issues With GMO Alfalfa in the Marketplace (2004) by William T. W. Woodward
  Annual Alfalfa Hay Cumulative California Market Summary (2008) - USDA-AMS

Biotechnology and Roundup Ready Alfalfa

Glyphosate-tolerant (GT) Alfalfa or Roundup-Ready Alfalfa (RRA) was approved for planting in the US in February, 2011. RRA is a genetically engineered variety of alfalfa, which can be used safely in combination with the herbicide 'glyphosate' (Roundup). RRA was originally deregulated and commercialized in 2005 but then a lawsuit in 2007 rescinded the deregulation, halting further plantings. The USDA-APHIS subsequently conducted an exhaustive Environmental Impact Statement from 2007-2011, and came to the conclusion that GT alfalfa did not present and direct or indirect plant pest risks. There are a range of varieties currently available for planting.Click here for a listing of UC alfalfa publications on biotechnology and related topics.

• New Technology for Alfalfa (2012) by Mark McCaslin and Peter Reisen - California Alfalfa & Grains Symposium 2012
  What are the Available Tools for Co-Existence of genetically engineered and non-genetically engineered Alfalfa? (2011)
  A Survey of Growers on GE Crops and Coexistence (2011) by Dan Putnam and Steve Orloff
  Roundup Ready Alfalfa, What Have we Learned to Date? (2011) by Steve Orloff and Dan Putnam
  Questions and Answers: Roundup Ready Alfalfa Deregulation (2011) - UCANR Publication
  Biotechnology 101: What You Need to Know in a Few Minutes (2004) by Peggy G. Lemaux

Organic Alfalfa

Learn about the costs and methods of producing organic alfalfa hay.

• Producing Alfalfa Hay Organically (2008) by Rachael F. Long, Roland D. Meyer, Steve B. Orloff - Irrigated Alfalfa Manual
  Coexistence for Organic Alfalfa Seed and Hay Markets (2008) -NAFA (National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance)
  Sample Costs to Establish and Produce Organic Alfalfa Hay (2007) - UC Cooperative Extension

Environment

Learn about the contributions of alfalfa to wildlife and the environment.

Articles

• Alfalfa, Wildlife, and the Environment: The Importance and Benefits of Alfalfa in the 21st Century (2001) - CAFA
  Will the Public Recognize the Environmental Benefits of Alfalfa? (2004) by Daniel H. Putnam
  Mitigating Water Quality Concerns: How the Alfalfa Industry Might Respond (2003) by Daniel H. Putnam
  Happy Cows, Happy Environment: Its the Manure (2001) by Stuart Pettygrove, Alison Eagle
  The Environmental Impacts of Nitrogen Fixation by Alfalfa (2004) by Michael Russelle

Manures and Alfalfa

Learn about manures and integrating dairy manure water nutrient use with forage production in alfalfa.

• Lagoon Water, Manures, and Biosolids Applied to Alfalfa (2008) - Irrigated Alfalfa Manual
  Happy Cows, Happy Environment: Its the Manure (2001) by Stuart Pettygrove, Alison Eagle

Seed Production

Alfalfa seed produced throughout the world is primarily used for forage production. The following articles provide an overview of alfalfa seed production techniques in California.

• Alfalfa Seed Production in California (2008) by Shannon C. Mueller - Irrigated Alfalfa Manual
  Best Management Practices for Roundup Ready Alfalfa Seed Production (2008) - NAFA (National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance)
  Producing Quality Alfalfa Seed for the Forage Industry (2008) by Shannon C. Mueller
  Seed Production Issues For Genetically Enhanced Alfalfa (2004) by Shannon C. Mueller

Grass and Forages

View grass and forage trial data.

• Cool Season Perennial Grass Trial 2006-2008 by Chris DeBen
  TEF Yields as Influenced by N Rate 2006-2008 by Chris DeBen
  Ammonia Volatilization in Grass Forages (2011) by Richard E. Muk
  The Potential for Teff as an Alternative Forage Crop for Irrigated Regions (2011) by Jay Davison, Mike Laka, and Earl Creech
  Challenges and Benefits of Interseeding Legumes into Grass Dominated Stands (2011)

Corn Silage

Learn about techniques for managing corn silage.

• Breeding and Managing the Ideal Corn Silage Hybird: A Retrospective and Direction for Progress by J.G. Lauer
  Optimizing Agronomic Practices for Corn Silage by Jeremy Groeteke
  The Art and Science of Making Silage by Richard E. Muck
  Analyzing Silage Crops for Quality by Ralph Ward

Sorghum Forage

Learn about forage sorghum.

• Advantages of Forage Sorghum for Silage in Limited Input Systems (2011) by Mark A. Marsalis
  Challenges and Benefits of Interseeding Legumes Into Grass Dominated Stands (2011)
  The Potential For Teff as an Alternative Forage Crop for Irrigated Regions (2011)
  Ammonia Volatilization in Grass Forages by Richard E. Muck

Important Articles

Some articles that may be useful to check out. If you find these to be helpful, be sure to find more at the alfalfa blog!