How to Grow Alfalfa
Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a fast-growing herbaceous plant that grows 30–100 cm above the ground and is primarily used as green fodder for livestock, which consume it in large quantities.
The Importance of Alfalfa
The significance of alfalfa lies in two main aspects:
- Direct Benefits:
Alfalfa serves as a type of balanced fodder for livestock due to its rich content of proteins, mineral acids such as calcium and phosphorus, and various vitamins. These nutrients contribute to the rapid growth of animals and increase milk production in mammals. - Indirect Benefits:
Alfalfa enhances soil fertility by absorbing nitrogen from the atmosphere, utilizing what it needs, and storing the rest in the soil. When the land is plowed, these nutrients mix with the soil and decompose quickly, thereby improving its fertility.
Alfalfa can grow in regions with high temperatures and saline soils, adapting to various climatic conditions. However, loamy soils with good drainage are considered the best for alfalfa cultivation.
Methods of Growing Alfalfa
- Preparing the Land:
- Plow the soil deeply and remove any weeds.
- Level the ground using a leveling machine to eliminate low spots where irrigation water could accumulate, which might cause root rot.
- Selecting the Right Planting Time:
- Choose an appropriate planting period to ensure better yields.
- The most favorable time for planting alfalfa is during November when temperatures are below 25°C.
- Determining Seed Requirements:
- Each acre requires 7–8 kg of seeds.
- Ensure the seeds are healthy, sterilized, and suitable for planting.
- Irrigation:
- Alfalfa needs regular irrigation throughout its growth period, especially during its early growth stages.
- Sprinkler irrigation is the most suitable method, as it allows precise control of water quantities.
- Excess water storage in the soil may lead to root rot, while insufficient watering can cause the plants to wilt.
Harvesting Alfalfa
When the plant begins to flower, stop irrigation until the soil appears dry. Harvesting can then begin:
- For small-scale alfalfa cultivation, manual harvesting is used.
- For larger areas, specialized machinery should be employed.
- Leave 10–15 cm of the stem in the soil to allow regrowth, as the plant can remain productive in the soil for over three years.
