DLF Alfalfa Q&A 3 6. Can alfalfa be grazed? Most varieties are not suitable for intensive grazing because if the plants crown is damaged the plant dies. There are some prostrate varieties with a lower crown that are better suited to grazing. 7. Should alfalfa be inoculated and what does this mean? The nitrogen fixing ability of legumes such as alfalfa is a symbiotic relationship between the plant and Rhizobium bacteria. In areas where alfalfa is not regularly grown it is unlikely that the Rhizobium will be naturally occurring in the soil. Therefore inoculation of the seed with Rhizobium is essential. 8. How does the protein content of alfalfa compare to maize, grass and clover? Typically alfalfa has a protein content of 19%. This compares to 8% for maize, 15% for grass silage and 17% for red clover. 9. Why is alfalfa so drought tolerant? Alfalfa has a very long tap root that will draw moisture from deeper in the soil than other plants allowing it not only to survive but continue growing in very dry conditions. 10. Can alfalfa be mixed with grass? Alfalfa can be mixed with grasses. This is a good way to achieve an optimal ratio of energy to protein. 11. Why should alfalfa be allowed to flower at least once a year? Letting the crop flower allows the plants to build up reserves of nutrients to survive during the winter. It is usually best to allow the plants to flower before the last cut of the year. 12. Can cows be fed purely on alfalfa? No. The protein to energy ratio of alfalfa is not the optimal diet for cows. The alfalfa should be supplemented with grass silage to increase the energy content of the ration. 13. When is the best time to cut alfalfa? Alfalfa should be cut at the early bud stage. This gives the best yield whilst maintaining a high protein content. 14. Why is care required when cutting and harvesting alfalfa? The leaves of alfalfa are delicate and dry faster than the stems. Unless care is taken the leaves can shatter and this may account for yield losses of up to 40%.
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