November 14, 2002

Drought and Potential Market Conditions Could Make Fertilizing Alfalfa Cost-Effective

Producers need to follow a couple of precautions, according to a North Dakota State University soil science specialist. With the continued drought in the west and southwest, the need for high quality alfalfa hay is greater than normal. The alfalfa market could be as strong as it has been in the last 10 years, and fertilizing alfalfa fields could prove to be cost-effective.

With the continued drought in the west and southwest, the need for high quality alfalfa hay is greater than normal. The alfalfa market could be as strong as it has been in the last 10 years, and fertilizing alfalfa fields could prove to be cost-effective. "Historically, fertilizing alfalfa fields has historically not been a high priority in North Dakota," says Dave Franzen, an NDSU Extension Service soil scientist. "Given the potential returns from a stronger-than-normal market, however, some producers are considering fertilization to improve field performance."

Fall fertilization is a good option as long as two precautions are taken, Franzen says. First, apply fertilizer when the crowns are "springy," not when they are frosted. Application equipment running over frosted crowns can damage the crown tissue. These damaged areas will appear brown compared to the rest of the field in the spring. Also, application should be avoided when the fields are muddy.

Franzen also says to avoid fertilizer application on deeply frozen soils due to runoff concerns. Fertilizer can’t become attached to the soil under frozen conditions. What little does attach is easily suspended and lost during late rains or snow melt.

"If the soil tests show low levels of potassium, most of the needs of alfalfa will be supplied with a phosphate fertilizer and potash," says Franzen. "If the fall weather turns bad early, spring application is an option, as is applying fertilizer after the first cutting. For new spring seeding, check soil tests for pH on a landscape basis. If pH is less than 6.5 and subsoil is acid, then a lime application would be required to optimize alfalfa production."

For more information, contact your local office of the NDSU Extension Service.

###

Source: Dave Franzen, (701)231-8884, david.franzen@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701)231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu