Alfalfa Management Guide

Abstract

Alfalfa requires a well-drained soil for optimum production. Wet soils create conditions suitable for diseases that may kill seedlings, reduce forage yield, and kill established plants. You can reduce some disease problems associated with poor drainage by selecting varieties with high levels of resistance and by using fungicides for establishment. Poor soil drainage also reduces the movement of soil oxygen to roots. Poor surface drainage can cause soil crusting and ponding which may cause poor soil aeration, micronutrient toxicity, or ice damage over winter. Even sloping fields may have low spots where water stands, making it difficult to maintain alfalfa stands.