General Information
An introduction to alfalfa production systems in California.
Irrigated Alfalfa Management for Mediterranean and Desert Zones Website
Daniel H. Putnam, Charles G. Summers, Steve B. Orloff | 2008
The California Alfalfa and Forage Association (CAFA) Website
History, Importance, and Production Dynamics of Alfalfa in California [†]
Alfalfa Educational Fact Sheet [†]
CAFA | 2004
Alfalfa Production Systems in California [†]
Daniel H. Putnam, Charles G. Summers, Steve B. Orloff | 2008
Intermountain Alfalfa Management [†]
Steve B. Orloff, Harry L. Carlson
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 [†]
Steve B. Orloff | 2008
Alfalfa Growth and Development [†]
Shannon C. Mueller, Larry R. Teuber | 2008
Alfalfa Stand Establishment [†]
Shannon C. Mueller, Carol A. Frate, Marsha Campbell Mathews | 2008
Key Practices for Alfalfa Stand Establishment [†]
Daniel H. Putnam | 2012
Small Grains Seedbed Preparation and Residue Management [†]
Kent L. Brittan | 2012
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 [†]
Mick Canevari, Daniel H. Putnam | 2008
Overseeding And Management Of Older Alfalfa Stands [†]
Rachael Long, Mick Canevari, Daniel H. Putnam | 2003
Overseeding as a pest management tool in alfalfa in the Sacramento Valley [†]
Rachael Long, Barbara Reed, Daniel H. Putnam
Overseeding Orchardgrass Into Alfalfa [†]
Jim Morris | 1998
Strategies For Extending The Life Of An Alfalfa Stand Using Overseedings [†]
Mick Canevari, Daniel H. Putnam, Rachael Long, Steve B. Orloff, Barbara Reed | 1996
Management of Depleted Alfalfa Stands [†]
Steve B. Orloff
Variety Selection
Learn how to select the appropriate variety of alfalfa for your location and pests.
UCD Alfalfa Variety Selection Website [†]
Variety Trail Data by Location and Annual Agronomy Progress Reports (APRS)
North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference Website [†]
Virtual Alfalfa Research Center Website [†]
VARC highlights important genetics and breeding resources for alfalfa scientists around the world
Variety Selection - Choosing the Best for Your Field [†]
C.A. Frate, S.C. Mueller, S.B. Orloff, D.H. Putnam | 2012
The Genetics of Corn Varieties [†]
J.G. Lauer | 2011
Choosing an Alfalfa Variety [†]
Daniel H. Putnam, Steve B. Orloff, Larry R. Teuber | 2008
2008 Winter Survival, Fall Dormancy & Pest Resistance Ratings for Alfalfa Varieties Leaflet [†]
NAFA | 2008
2011 Winter Survival, Fall Dormancy & Pest Resistance Ratings for Alfalfa Varieties Leaflet [†]
NAFA | 2011
Using Varieties or Cutting Schedules to Achieve Quality Hay - What are the Tradeoffs? [†]
Daniel H. Putnam, Steve B. Orloff | 2003
Irrigation
Learn how to use soil moisture blocks for monitoring soil moisture in alfalfa or pasture.
Irrigating Alfalfa in Arid Regions [†]
Blaine R. Hanson, Khaled M. Bali, Blake L. Sanden | 2008Utilizing Soil-Moisture Monitoring to Improve Alfalfa and Pasture Irrigation Management [†]
Steve Orloff, Daniel H. Putnam, Blane Hanson | 2003Soil-Moisture Monitoring: A Simple Method to Improve Alfalfa and Pasture Irrigation Management [†]
Steve Orloff, Daniel H. Putnam, Blane Hanson | 2001Getting the Most From Center Pivots [†]
Guy Fipps | 1998Irrigation Scheduling of Alfalfa Using Evapotranspiration [†]
Richard L. Snyder, Khaled M. Bali | 2008
Flood vs. Pivot Irrigation for Forage Crops: What are the Advantages and Disadvantages? [†]
Paul W. Brown | 2008
- How Much Water Does Alfalfa Really Need? [†]
Blaine Hanson, Khaled Bali, Steve Orloff, Blake Sanden, Dan Putnam | 2008 Forage Production Strategies with Limited Water Supplies [†]
Blake L. Sanden, Daniel H. Putnam, Blaine R. Hanson | 2007Subsurface Drip and Furrow Irrigation Comparison with Alfalfa in the Imperial Valley [†]
R.B. Hutmacher et al. | 2001Soil Fertility
- Learn about alfalfa fertilization and soil testing.
Alfalfa Fertilization Strategies [†]
Roland D. Meyer, Daniel B. Marcum, Steve B. Orloff, Jerry L. Schmierer | 2008Maximizing Fertilizer Efficiency Through Tissue Testing and Improved Application Methods [†]
Steve Orloff, Dan Putnam and Rob Wilson | 2008- What in the World? A Global Fertilizer Perspective [†]
Robert Mikkelsen | 2008 Using Dairy Manure as a Nitrogen Fertilizer for Forage Crops [†]
Marsha Campbell Mathews, David Crohn | 2008Soil Applied and Water Applied Phosphorous Application [†]
M. J. Ottman, T. L. Thompson, M. T. Rogers, and S. A. White | 2000- How much fertilizer do I need? Soil testing and Alfalfa fertilization [†]
Tim Hays | 1998 Weed Management
- Learn how to manage weeds in alfalfa.
Integrated Weed Management in Seedling Alfalfa [†]
UC IPM | 2024
Integrated Weed Management in Established Alfalfa [†]
CalHay
Herbicide-Tolerant Varieties as a Weed Management Strategy [†]
UC IPM | 2017
Preventing Weed Resistance And Weed Shifts [†]
UC IPM | 2017
Weed Management in Alfalfa [†]
Mick Canevari, Ron N. Vargas, Steve B. Orloff | 2008Avoiding Weed Shifts and Weed Resistance in Roundup Ready Alfalfa Systems [†]
Steve B. Orloff, Daniel H. Putnam, Mick Canevari, W. Thomas Lanini | 2008Plant Poisonings in Livestock [†]
Birgit Puschner | 2008Weed Management Options for Alfalfa in Ground Water Protection Areas [†]
Ron Vargas | 2005Integrated Pest Management in Forage Alfalfa [†]
Charles G. Summers | 1998Livestock-Poisoning Plants of California [†]
Larry Forero, Glenn Nader, Arthur Craigmill, Joseph M. Ditomaso, Birgit Puschner, John Maas | 2010Insect Management
- Learn how to manage insects in alfalfa.
Managing Insects in Alfalfa [†]
Charles G. Summers, Larry D. Godfrey, Eric T. Natwick | 2008Integrated Pest Management in Forage Alfalfa [†]
Charles G. Summers | 19982011 Winter Survival, Fall Dormancy & Pest Resistance Ratings for Alfalfa Varieties Leaflet [†]
NAFA | 2011Spring Stubble Application in Alfalfa for Season Long Management of Threecornered Alfalfa Tree Hopper, Spissistilus festinus [†]
Vonny M. Barlow | 2010Management of Egyptian Alfalfa Weevil and Protection of Yields with Selected Insecticides [†]
Larry Godfrey, Daniel Putnam | 2002Preventing the Off-Site Movement of Pesticides in Alfalfa [†]
Daniel H. Putnam | 2001Vertebrate Pest Management
- Learn how to manage vertebrate pests in alfalfa.
Integrated Management of Vertebrate Pests in Alfalfa [†]
Desley A. Whisson, Terrell P. Salmon | 2008Controlling Vertebrate Pests in Alfalfa [†]
Duane L. Schnabel | 2005Vertebrate Pest Control in Alfalfa Hay [†]
Desley A. Whisson | 1997Integrated Pest Management in Forage Alfalfa [†]
Charles G. Summers | 1998Meadow Voles and Pocket Gophers: Management in Lawns, Gardens, and Cropland [†]
D. Gunn, R. Hirnyck, G. Shewmaker, S. Takatori, L. EllisDiseases
- Learn how to manage diseases in alfalfa.
- How to Manage Pests in Alfalfa
UC IPM - Air Pollution
UC IPM - Bacterial Wilt
UC IPM - How to Manage Sclerotinia Stem & Crown Rot (White Mold)
UC IPM Alfalfa Diseases and Management [†]
Carol A. Frate, R. Michael Davis | 20082008 Winter Survival, Fall Dormancy & Pest Resistance Ratings for Alfalfa Varieties Leaflet [†]
NAFA | 2008Integrated Pest Management in Forage Alfalfa [†]
Charles G. Summers | 1998Nematodes
- Learn how to deal with parasitic nematodes in alfalfa.
- How to Manage Alfalfa Nematodes
UC IPM - Nematode Management Guidelines
UC IPM Parasitic Nematodes in Alfalfa [†]
Becky B. Westerdahl, Carol A. Frate | 2008Alfalfa Nematodes in Idaho [†]
Saad L. Hafez | 1998Alfalfa Nematodes: What Can Be Done? [†]
Becky B. Westerdahl | 2008Press Release: Sudden Outbreak of Alfalfa Stem Nematode Tackled by UC Cooperative Extension [†]
UCANR News | 2009Integrated Pest Management in Forage Alfalfa [†]
Charles G. Summers | 19982008 Winter Survival, Fall Dormancy & Pest Resistance Ratings for Alfalfa Varieties Leaflet [†]
NAFA | 2008Diagnostic Key
- Use this key to identify possible pests and diseases in alfalfa.
- Diagnostic Key to Problems in Alfalfa [†]
Charles G. Summers | 2008 - Diagnosing Field Problems [†]
Mick Canevari | 1993 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 [†]
Steve B. Orloff, Daniel H. Putnam - Harvest: Curing Preservation, and Storage [†]
Steve B. Orloff, Shannon C. Mueller - Cutting Schedule Strategies to Maximize Returns [†]
Steve B. Orloff, Daniel H. Putnam | 2006 - Using Varieties or Cutting Schedules to Achieve Quality Hay - What are the Tradeoffs? [†]
Daniel H. Putnam, Steve B. Orloff | 2003 - Battle of the Balers: Mid-Sized Bales [†]
Dennis Dunlea | 1998 - The Crusher: Effect of Harvest Technique on Alfalfa Drying Time [†]
Ivan J. Cook | 1998 - Battle of the Balers: Small Bales [†]
John Bennett | 1998 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).
- National Forage Testing Association Website
- Hay Sampling Certification Exam
- Forage Quality and Testing [†]
Daniel H. Putnam, Peter Robinson, Ed DePeters | 2008 - Alfalfa Utilization by Livestock [†]
Gerald E. Higginbotham, Carolyn L. Stull, Nyles G. Peterson, Anne V. Rodiek, Barbara A. Reed, Juan N. Guerrero | 2008 - Understanding Forage Quality [†]
NFTA | 2001 - The Future of Alfalfa Forage Quality Testing in Hay Markets [†]
Daniel H. Putnam, Dan Undersander | 2006 - Forage Quality Testing and Markets: Where are we Going? [†]
Daniel H. Putnam | 2004 - Don't abuse that hay test! [†]
Daniel H. Putnam | 2012 - Evaluating Hay for Horses: Myths and Realities [†]
Laurie Lawrence | 1998 - What are Dairy Nutritionists Looking for in Alfalfa Hay? [†]
Peter H. Robinson | 1998 - Proper Sampling Methods Improve Accuracy of Lab Testing [†]
Steve Orloff, Daniel H. Putnam | 1998 Economics and Marketing
- Learn about the economic value of alfalfa and see market summaries for alfalfa crops and other commodities.
- Hay Market News and Transportation Data Website
- Current Cost and Return Studies for California Commodities
- California Weekly Hay Report - USDA-AMS (United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Marketing Service) [†]
- Alfalfa Marketing and Economics [†]
Karen Klonsky, Barbara Reed, Daniel H. Putnam | 2008 - Coexistence for Organic Alfalfa Seed and Hay Markets [†]
NAFA | 2008 - Coexistence for Alfalfa Hay Export Markets [†]
NAFA | 2008 - Coexistence for Alfalfa Seed Export Markets (2008) [†]
NAFA | 2008 - Issues With GMO Alfalfa in the Marketplace [†]
William T. W. Woodward | 2004 - Annual Alfalfa Hay Cumulative California Market Summary [†]
USDA-AMS | 2009 - Annual Alfalfa Hay Cumulative California Market Summary [†]
USDA-AMS | 2008 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 [†]
Mark McCaslin, Peter Reisen | 2012What are the Available Tools for Co-Existence of genetically engineered and non-genetically engineered Alfalfa? [†]
Rod Christensen | 2011A Survey of Growers on GE Crops and Coexistence [†]
Dan Putnam, Steve Orloff | 2011Roundup Ready Alfalfa, What Have we Learned to Date? [†]
Dan Putnam, Steve Orloff | 2011Questions and Answers: Roundup Ready Alfalfa Deregulation [†]
UCANR Publication | 2011Biotechnology 101: What You Need to Know in a Few Minutes [†]
Peggy G. Lemaux | 2004Organic Alfalfa
- Learn about the costs and methods of producing organic alfalfa hay.
- Producing Alfalfa Hay Organically [†]
Rachael F. Long, Roland D. Meyer, Steve B. Orloff | 2008 Environment
- Learn about the contributions of alfalfa to wildlife and the environment.
Year-Round IPM Program for Alfalfa
UC IPM | 2017Will the Public Recognize the Environmental Benefits of Alfalfa? [†]
Daniel H. Putnam | 2004The Environmental Impacts of Nitrogen Fixation by Alfalfa [†]
Michael Russelle | 2004Mitigating Water Quality Concerns: How the Alfalfa Industry Might Respond [†]
Daniel H. Putnam | 2003Alfalfa, Wildlife, and the Environment: The Importance and Benefits of Alfalfa in the 21st Century [†]
CAFA | 2001Manures 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 [†]
Ronald D. Meyer, Blake L. Sanden, Khaled M. Bali | 2008 - Happy Cows, Happy Environment: Its the Manure [†]
Stuart Pettygrove, Alison Eagle | 2001 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 [†]
Shannon C. Mueller | 2008 - Best Management Practices for Roundup Ready Alfalfa Seed Production [†]
NAFA | 2008 - Producing Quality Alfalfa Seed for the Forage Industry [†]
Shannon C. Mueller | 2008 - Seed Production Issues For Genetically Enhanced Alfalfa [†]
Shannon C. Mueller | 2004 Grass and Forages
- View grass and forage trial data.
Cool Season Perennial Grass Trial [†]
Chris DeBen | 2006 - 2008TEF Yields as Influenced by N Rate [†]
Chris DeBen | 2006 - 2008Assessing Nitrogen Fertilization Needs [†]
Rob G. Wilson | 2008Ammonia Volatilization in Grass Forages [†]
Richard E. Muk | 2011The Potential for Teff as an Alternative Forage Crop for Irrigated Regions [†]
Jay Davison, Mike Laka, and Earl Creech | 2011Challenges and Benefits of Interseeding Legumes into Grass Dominated Stands [†]
Joe Brummer, Glenn Shewmaker, and Chanda Engel | 2011Corn Silage
- Learn about techniques for managing corn silage.
Breeding and Managing the Ideal Corn Silage Hybird: A Retrospective and Direction for Progress [†]
J.G. LauerOptimizing Agronomic Practices for Corn Silage [†]
Jeremy GroetekeThe Art and Science of Making Silage [†]
Richard E. MuckAnalyzing Silage Crops for Quality [†]
Ralph WardSorghum Forage
- Learn about forage sorghum.
Advantages of Forage Sorghum for Silage in Limited Input Systems [†]
Mark A. Marsalis | 2011Challenges and Benefits of Interseeding Legumes into Grass Dominated Stands [†]
Joe Brummer, Glenn Shewmaker, and Chanda Engel | 2011The Potential For Teff as an Alternative Forage Crop for Irrigated Regions [†]
Jay Davison, Mike Laca, Earl Creech | 2011- Ammonia Volatilization in Grass Forages [†]
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!
- When is nitrogen fertilization of alfalfa beneficial? Almost never! [†]
Rachael Freeman Long, Daniel H Putnam, Rollie Meyer | 2013 - Does Hydroponic Forage Production Make Sense? [†]
Daniel H Putnam, Peter H. Robinson, Eric Lin | 2013