Alfalfa is a high-value crop, but getting and maintaining a healthy stand requires more than good rain and plenty of sunshine. Craig Loen, Federated Agronomist at the Osceola location, offered these tips for planting and retaining the value of an alfalfa crop.

1. Soil test before planting. A soil test - for any crop - is a sound management tool. Know what's in the soil before you plant into or fertilize it.
2. Prepare the soil. A firm seed bed is critical for alfalfa planting. "You should be able to bounce a basketball on the surface," said Loen, adding, "if you can't, the soil may need to be packed (rolled) again" before planting.
3. Check the phosphorous and potassium levels in the soil to make sure they are sufficient to support a high-yielding stand of alfalfa.
4. Check the pH, which, said Loen, "is very important for alfalfa." A pH level of 6.8 to 7.0 is optimal for alfalfa, from seeding to establishment to longevity of the crop.
5. Fertilize for high yields and feed quality. Multiple applications or potash and boron are especially necessary over the life of a stand.
6. Apply herbicides on Round Up Ready®  alfalfa stands to improve the feed value of the crop. Loen noted that "a fungicide application can also be a good value for optimum plant health, which in turn can increase the feed quality."
7. Take tissue samples ("a snapshot in time," said Loen) to determine nutrient deficiencies, and add nutrients as needed to improve yields, quality, and longevity.
8. Remove the alfalfa crop at its peak for highest yields.
9. Check the stand consistently to determine whether it's viable or needs to be terminated to rotate to another crop.

And as always, contact your Federated Agronomist with any alfalfa questions or concerns.