alfalfa

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.

An introduction to alfalfa production systems in California.

• Irrigated Alfalfa Management for Mediterranean and Desert Zones Website (2008)
• The California Alfalfa and Forage Association Website
• Alfalfa Subsurface Drip Irrigation Webpage

Alfalfa is a perennial crop, which means it will grow for several years after planting. Alfalfa is planted in the spring or fall. Since the seeds are so small (1-2 millimeters), slightly wider than the tip of a pencil lead, they must be planted close to the surface of the soil. Between 15-25 pounds of seeds are planted per acre, which is about the size of a football field. There are about 200,000 alfalfa seeds per pound.