Ohio State University Extension
Department of Horticulture and Crop Science
2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210-1044

Spring Seeding Alfalfa Alone

AGF-001-90

Traditionally alfalfa in Ohio has been spring seeded with oats or broadcast in early spring into winter wheat. Alfalfa vigor and plant survival are often reduced when seedings are made into the small grains. This is especially true with today's higher yielding wheat and oats varieties. This occurs because of severe competition between the alfalfa and small grain for light, moisture, and soil nutrients. Also, the plant competition increases the incidence of alfalfa seedling diseases. The small grain is neither a nurse nor a companion, but a significant competitor to the establishment of alfalfa.

Alfalfa producers across the midwest, including Ohio, are successfully spring seeding alfalfa without a small grain. An estimated 30 percent or more of the alfalfa in Ohio is spring seeded alone. Soil and air temperatures and soil moisture during April are usually favorable for quick germination and rapid seedling growth of alfalfa. Controlling the weeds with herbicides and eliminating the competition from the small grain permits the establishment of vigorous, productive alfalfa stands during the seeding year.

The alfalfa may be harvested approximately 70-72 days following seeding or about 60-65 days after emergence. This permits seeding year harvests of two (and sometimes three) cuttings in northern Ohio and often three cuttings in southern Ohio. The seeding year yield will usually be three to four tons per acre. This practice makes a corn-alfalfa crop sequence possible on many Ohio farms.

When selecting a field for alfalfa seeding, consider whether there is any risk of herbicide carry-over from the previous crop. Also consider crop rotation as it is important alfalfa not immediately follow alfalfa in the crop sequence. This is because acceptable stands often are not obtained when alfalfa is seeded directly following alfalfa. Autotoxicity, diseases and insects have been implicated as causes.

Steps to successfully spring seed alfalfa alone:

1. SELECT WELL DRAINED SOIL.
Alfalfa requires adequate drainage to establish and maintain the stand.

2. SOIL TEST.
Analysis of a representative soil sample is the only method by which existing soil nutrient levels can be determined and from which accurate fertilization recommendations can be developed.

3. APPLY LIME AND FERTILIZER.
Lime and fertilizer should be applied to correct any soil pH and nutrient deficiencies as indicated by the soil analysis. Agricultural limestone should be applied at least six months prior to the seeding.

4. PREPARE LEVEL, WELL-TILLED, FIRM SEEDBED.
A level, well-tilled, weed-free, and firm or settled seedbed is a must. Lack of firmness can result in seeding failures. The seedbed must be as level as possible.

5. SEED IN APRIL.
Early seeding is important to enable the seedlings to become well established prior to moisture stress of early summer and to take advantage of the total growing season. Seed in early April in southern Ohio and early to mid-April in northern Ohio using certified alfalfa seed of improved, high yielding disease resistant varieties. Where possible use Apron treated seed to protect young seedlings from soil-borne damping off diseases.

6. SEED SHALLOW - BAND SEED WITH PRESS WHEELS.
Band seeding with press wheels provides stand insurance. In Ohio, no other method of seeding alfalfa has been superior to this technique. Band seeding places a band of fertilizer below the seed with an inch or two of soil separating the fertilizer and seed. It places seed evenly at a uniform depth and in firm contact with the soil. Press wheels used with band seeding provide additional stand insurance. Seed alfalfa at 12 pounds per acre. Ohio research has shown this is sufficient seed to provide for optimum stands and yield.

7. CONTROL THE WEEDS.
Using herbicides to control the weeds at establishment is a necessary procedure when spring seeding alfalfa alone. Preplant incorporated herbicides are most beneficial in fields where foxtails and other annual grass weeds are expected.

For PURE ALFALFA STANDS, use EPTC (trade names Eptam and Genep) or Balan at label rates. These preplant incorporated herbicides control many annual grasses and some germinating broadleaf weeds. They must be properly incorporated immediately after broadcast application, then plant alfalfa promptly. The herbicide Poast can also be sprayed postemergence for annual and perennial grass control in pure alfalfa.

For ALFALFA AND ALFALFA-GRASS MIXTURES, use the herbicide 2,4-DB (trade names Butyrac 200 or Butoxone) or Buctril at label rates postemergence on new seedings. These herbicides control small broadleaf weeds but not annual grasses. Apply when broadleaf weeds are small, not more than two to three inches tall, but after the alfalfa has developed two to four true trifoliate leaves. Buctril is a restricted-use pesticide. Follow Bulletin 789, "Weed Control Guide for Ohio Field Crops," and product labels for herbicide application rates and procedures and for grazing/harvesting restrictions.

8. CONTROL INSECTS.
Watch seedings to monitor possible insect problems. Potato leafhopper infestation can devastate young stands of alfalfa if not properly controlled. See OCES Bulletin 545, "Insect Pests of Field Crops," for recommended insect control procedures.

9. HARVEST 70-72 DAYS AFTER SEEDING.
Harvest approximately 70-72 days following seeding or about 60-65 days after emergence if insufficient or excessive moisture or temperature has not influenced growth. This permits two to three cuttings in northern Ohio and three cuttings in southern Ohio.

10. FERTILIZER IN THE FALL.
Alfalfa is a heavy user of phosphorus and potassium. To maintain alfalfa production and soil nutrient levels, apply 14 pounds P205 and 60 pounds K20 for each ton of alfalfa removed.

Prepared by:
Donald K. Myers
Extension Agronomist Emeritus

Revised by:
John F. Underwood
District Agronomy Specialist