Alfalfa: an animal feed at the base of the Food Supply Chain
Alfalfa is a cool-season perennial commonly grown for feeding livestock or as a cover crop and soil conditioner. Alfalfa is highly nutritious and a natural source of nitrogen. It’s ideal for improving the soil and providing erosion control. Alfalfa’s extensive root system nourishes both plants and soil. Like other legumes, its root nodules contain bacteria, Sinorhizobium meliloti, with the ability to fix nitrogen, producing a high-protein feed regardless of available nitrogen in the soil. Its nitrogen-fixing abilities (which increase soil nitrogen) and its use as an animal feed greatly improve agricultural efficiency.
Nutritive values of high quality Lucerne hay: Characteristics
Nutritive values of high quality Lucerne hay: Characteristics
![Picture](/uploads/1/0/7/0/10709207/editor/table-1.jpg?1584864496)
CHEMICAL RESIDUES:
Chemical residues are of particular concern to Lucerne hay producers, as these chemicals can be transferred along the food chain. Virenxia’s thrust is to produce chemical free Alfalfa through its preparatory Enzymic Natural Fertilizer and Best Management Practices, which is of high quality and safe to livestock.
CLIMATIC CONDITIONS:
- Lucerne is drought tolerant and has a deep rooting system.
- It grows well in climatic ranges of between 10 ⁰C and 30 ⁰C.
- The optimal growth temperature is estimated at 20 ⁰C.
SOIL AND WATER REQUIREMENTS
High soil fertility promotes early growth and increases stand tolerance to insect and disease pressures. It also increases crop yield and quality and improves stand persistence. A 150 mm soil sample should be collected preceding planting. This sample should be tested for standard nutrients as well as micronutrients particularly copper, molybdenum and boron.
Alfalfa can be cultivated on all type of soils except water logged and saline ones. Best suited soils for alfalfa cultivation are well drained fertile soils such as loam or sandy loam. For high yields, the pH level should be maintained at 6.5 – 6.8 (*Don Ball, Dennis Hancock). A soil pH between 6.5 and 8.0 is satisfactory for optimum forage production (**D.H. Smith, G.K. Beck, F.B. Peairs and W.M. Brown). Alfalfa has a vigorous root system which enables it to obtain water and nutrients from a large volume of soil. As the roots of alfalfa penetrate very deep into soil and has ability to resist drought. Poor soil drainage restricts oxygen supply to the roots, increases winter heaving problems, causes more disease problems, and damages alfalfa’s nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These effects all lead to low productivity or loss of the stand.
Alfalfa can be grown in soils that are slightly saline (containing salts such as sodium chloride), sodic (containing sodium carbonate) or alkaline (pH>7). Alfalfa has moderate salt tolerance relative to other forage species, so it can be grown in slightly saline soil. However, when the concentration of salt is over 0.3%, the germination of seeds and growth of seedlings will be severely affected. Alfalfa has varying levels of salt tolerance, being most sensitive to salt in soil in the seedling stage, but generally becoming more resistant to salt as the alfalfa plant ages.
*Extension Forage Specialist, University of Kentacky, USA; Growing Alfalfa in the South,2009
**Forage Extension Agronomists, University of Georgia, USA: Georgia Forages- Legume species,2007
Characteristic of ideal, marginal and undesirable sites for alfalfa production
SOIL DEPTH:
Alfalfa is a long-lived, very deeply rooted perennial crop. Upon germination, a strong taproot develops rapidly and penetrates almost vertically downward. It often reaches a depth of 5 to 6 feet in first season, 10 to 12 feet by the end of the second year, and may ultimately extend to depths of 20 feet or more. Soil should be free from rock or no hard pan at least upto 6 feet below.
LAND PREPARATION :
TILLAGE
A perfect alfalfa seedbed should be firm to reduce air pockets, fine to obtain an even covering of seed, level with no places where water stands, and free from weeds that compete with seedlings for moisture and plant nutrients. It is important to prepare a seedbed in the most efficient manner to reduce establishment costs and moisture loss. Deep ploughing with chisel or mold bold plough followed by clod crushing and 2–3 dry ploughings with disc harrow & cultivator are necessary. The deep ploughing is must because the alfalfa is deep rooted crop and it will be helpful for proper root development.
Tillage affects soil structure and its ability to allow development of plant roots to support the passage of machinery and ensure good water infiltration. It is essential that the lower layers (under the seedbed down to 30-40cm) do not have clods or layers which are too compact.
LAND LEVELING
This is the first step towards the soil preparation where the land is leveled to facilitate the smooth movement of the Modified Activate Bentonite (MAB) spreader. The leveling may also be required if the plot has been used for a different crop and the residue of the uprooted plants, roots or big mounds of soil are lying on the surface. In case the land is already flat this step can be avoided. However, if the land has been in disuse for a long time and the top surface is considered to be too hard then a plough with a suitable sized blade is ideal to plough the field to a depth not exceeding 30 CM.
Alfalfa is a long-lived, very deeply rooted perennial crop. Upon germination, a strong taproot develops rapidly and penetrates almost vertically downward. It often reaches a depth of 5 to 6 feet in first season, 10 to 12 feet by the end of the second year, and may ultimately extend to depths of 20 feet or more. Soil should be free from rock or no hard pan at least upto 6 feet below.
LAND PREPARATION :
TILLAGE
A perfect alfalfa seedbed should be firm to reduce air pockets, fine to obtain an even covering of seed, level with no places where water stands, and free from weeds that compete with seedlings for moisture and plant nutrients. It is important to prepare a seedbed in the most efficient manner to reduce establishment costs and moisture loss. Deep ploughing with chisel or mold bold plough followed by clod crushing and 2–3 dry ploughings with disc harrow & cultivator are necessary. The deep ploughing is must because the alfalfa is deep rooted crop and it will be helpful for proper root development.
Tillage affects soil structure and its ability to allow development of plant roots to support the passage of machinery and ensure good water infiltration. It is essential that the lower layers (under the seedbed down to 30-40cm) do not have clods or layers which are too compact.
LAND LEVELING
This is the first step towards the soil preparation where the land is leveled to facilitate the smooth movement of the Modified Activate Bentonite (MAB) spreader. The leveling may also be required if the plot has been used for a different crop and the residue of the uprooted plants, roots or big mounds of soil are lying on the surface. In case the land is already flat this step can be avoided. However, if the land has been in disuse for a long time and the top surface is considered to be too hard then a plough with a suitable sized blade is ideal to plough the field to a depth not exceeding 30 CM.
![Picture](/uploads/1/0/7/0/10709207/published/pic-1.jpg?1584866107)
SELECT A GOOD VARIETY:
Plant breeders have developed alfalfa varieties with greater yield potential, better disease resistance, and improved forage quality
The major factors leading to profitability are:
▪ yield potential,
▪persistence (percent stand remaining or estimated from winter hardiness and disease resistance ratings),
▪ winter hardiness,
▪ disease resistance, and
▪ forage quality.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD VARIETY:
Dormancy & Winter hardiness:
Each variety has a fall dormancy rating ranging from 1 (most dormant) to 10 (non-dormant). In tropical and arid areas with low to non existent freeze, chosen cultivars generally have a dormancy rating of 9 or 10.
Disease and pest resistance:
Selected varieties must at least have a moderate resistance rating (MR) to the main diseases: bacterial wilt, fusarium wilt and Phytopthra root rot. The varieties included in our general catalogue all meet these criteria.
Fall dormancy:
Fall dormancy in alfalfa is one of the most important traits in determining the adaptation of an alfalfa variety; it is defined as a reduction in plant height in response to reductions in day length and temperature. Fall dormancy is rated 1 to 10, 1 being the most dormant. Recent progress in research have lead to cultivars with dormancy ratings up to 11. Less dormant varieties generally have higher yield potential, earlier maturity and increased rates of recovery after harvest.
Winter hardiness protection:
Defined as plant survival and rated 1 to 6, 1 being the most hardy, 6 the least. Historically closely related to fall dormancy: least dormant cultivars having a low winter hardiness and a reduced stand life. It has become possible the selection of high yielding varieties (low dormancy) with a good winter survival.
SEEDING
SEED GERMINATION TEST
Seed germination test can be conducted to see the percentage of germination of seed. 100 seed of Alfalfa variety selected for seeding should be placed on blotting paper or moisture absorbing ma in a Petri dish, sprinkle water on mat and seed. Count the germinated seed after 2-4 days. Seed with more that 70% germination is ideal for seeding. Decide the seed rate based on seed germination percentage.
ENHANCING SEED GERMINATION
Seed germination can be enhanced by soaking the seed in Humic acid solution for 2 hours.
TIME OF SOWING:
The sowing time should be determined according to the local conditions, such as temperature, rainfall and wind speed, soil water content, weeds, crop rotation system and cultivation purpose. Alfalfa is a perennial crop which can be sown when the temperature is consistently over 5°C. Germination and seedling growth occur best between 10 and 25°C. (Dennis Cash and Hu Yuegao) Early sowing in hot days can burn the seedling and need to be careful at sowing time.
SEED RATE:
The seeding rate for Lucerne vary from 25-30 kg/ha with differences based upon region, soil type, and seeding method.
AUTOTOXICITY:
Autotoxicity occurs when a plant species releases a chemical substance that inhibits germination and growth of the same plant species. Lucerne produces such a toxin. The older the Lucerne stand, the higher the levels of toxin. For this reason any attempts to rejuvenate an old Lucerne stand or to re-establish Lucerne on a pre-existing stand that is more than one year old will usually be unsuccessful. Rotating to other crops for at least one year allows time for these toxic substances to degrade.
Plant breeders have developed alfalfa varieties with greater yield potential, better disease resistance, and improved forage quality
The major factors leading to profitability are:
▪ yield potential,
▪persistence (percent stand remaining or estimated from winter hardiness and disease resistance ratings),
▪ winter hardiness,
▪ disease resistance, and
▪ forage quality.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD VARIETY:
Dormancy & Winter hardiness:
Each variety has a fall dormancy rating ranging from 1 (most dormant) to 10 (non-dormant). In tropical and arid areas with low to non existent freeze, chosen cultivars generally have a dormancy rating of 9 or 10.
Disease and pest resistance:
Selected varieties must at least have a moderate resistance rating (MR) to the main diseases: bacterial wilt, fusarium wilt and Phytopthra root rot. The varieties included in our general catalogue all meet these criteria.
Fall dormancy:
Fall dormancy in alfalfa is one of the most important traits in determining the adaptation of an alfalfa variety; it is defined as a reduction in plant height in response to reductions in day length and temperature. Fall dormancy is rated 1 to 10, 1 being the most dormant. Recent progress in research have lead to cultivars with dormancy ratings up to 11. Less dormant varieties generally have higher yield potential, earlier maturity and increased rates of recovery after harvest.
Winter hardiness protection:
Defined as plant survival and rated 1 to 6, 1 being the most hardy, 6 the least. Historically closely related to fall dormancy: least dormant cultivars having a low winter hardiness and a reduced stand life. It has become possible the selection of high yielding varieties (low dormancy) with a good winter survival.
SEEDING
SEED GERMINATION TEST
Seed germination test can be conducted to see the percentage of germination of seed. 100 seed of Alfalfa variety selected for seeding should be placed on blotting paper or moisture absorbing ma in a Petri dish, sprinkle water on mat and seed. Count the germinated seed after 2-4 days. Seed with more that 70% germination is ideal for seeding. Decide the seed rate based on seed germination percentage.
ENHANCING SEED GERMINATION
Seed germination can be enhanced by soaking the seed in Humic acid solution for 2 hours.
TIME OF SOWING:
The sowing time should be determined according to the local conditions, such as temperature, rainfall and wind speed, soil water content, weeds, crop rotation system and cultivation purpose. Alfalfa is a perennial crop which can be sown when the temperature is consistently over 5°C. Germination and seedling growth occur best between 10 and 25°C. (Dennis Cash and Hu Yuegao) Early sowing in hot days can burn the seedling and need to be careful at sowing time.
SEED RATE:
The seeding rate for Lucerne vary from 25-30 kg/ha with differences based upon region, soil type, and seeding method.
AUTOTOXICITY:
Autotoxicity occurs when a plant species releases a chemical substance that inhibits germination and growth of the same plant species. Lucerne produces such a toxin. The older the Lucerne stand, the higher the levels of toxin. For this reason any attempts to rejuvenate an old Lucerne stand or to re-establish Lucerne on a pre-existing stand that is more than one year old will usually be unsuccessful. Rotating to other crops for at least one year allows time for these toxic substances to degrade.
![Picture](/uploads/1/0/7/0/10709207/published/pic2.jpg?1584866787)
SEED INOCULATION:
Lucerne must be inoculated with the correct strain of viable rhizobium inoculant (i.e. ‘Lucerne’ or Group AL). The rhizobia form nodules (bacterial colonies) on Lucerne roots and fix nitrogen from the air for use by the host plant. Well-nodulated Lucerne can produce enough nitrogen to sustain the high nitrogen removal rates of hay stands. Without healthy root nodules, Lucerne will suffer from nitrogen deficiency and appear pale. In sandy soils 250 gm Rhizobium AL is required to inoculate 25 kg Alfalfa seed.
METHOD OF SOWING:
IRRIGATION
The objective of irrigation is to provide the right amount of water at the right time to maximize forage yield and quality. Irrigation water should be uniformly applied at a rate which will not produce surface runoff, and scheduled to minimize water movement below the plant root zone. Alfalfa is sensitive to water stress at harvest. Rapid regrowth depends on adequate soil water. Watering prior to harvest or immediately after is the best time to promote rapid growth. Soil compaction may occur if the field is watered before harvesting. A firm, dry surface is best for traffic and field drying
Irrigation requirement in desert soils under Sprinklers
100000 lit /ha in winter and 140000 lit/ha in summer
CENTER PIVOT IRRIGATION:
The benefits of irrigation under pivot are well established: Longevity of facilities, low servicing and maintenance, savings of both time and energy, uniformity of irrigation, maximized yield and adaptation to large scale projects. The water requirement of Alfalfa is 0.20 to 0.36 acre inches per day depending on the soil type and Evapo Transpiration. Irrigation water must penetrate to a depth of 80–100 cm to ensure high Lucerne yields. Normally, more than 90% of irrigated Lucerne roots are found in this part of the soil profile.
MOISTURE CONTROL SYSTEM:
This is a moisture measurement system that is integrated with the irrigation mechanism. This helps optimize water by regulating the irrigation time and cycles depending upon the moisture content of the soil. It works on a software that is controlled and monitored by the crop engineers at site and is provided by the irrigation system supplier
Lucerne must be inoculated with the correct strain of viable rhizobium inoculant (i.e. ‘Lucerne’ or Group AL). The rhizobia form nodules (bacterial colonies) on Lucerne roots and fix nitrogen from the air for use by the host plant. Well-nodulated Lucerne can produce enough nitrogen to sustain the high nitrogen removal rates of hay stands. Without healthy root nodules, Lucerne will suffer from nitrogen deficiency and appear pale. In sandy soils 250 gm Rhizobium AL is required to inoculate 25 kg Alfalfa seed.
METHOD OF SOWING:
- Planting depth is important in determining stand establishment. Small-seeded legumes, like alfalfa, cannot emerge from deep plantings. Planting depths may vary with soil types. On sandy soils, the seed should not be placed deeper than 0.5 to 0.75 inch, whereas on medium- or fine-textured soils, 0.25 to 0.5 inch is adequate. A guideline for alfalfa is the planting depth should be no more than 10 times the diameter of the seed.
- On firm land, clean-tilled seed beds use a drill equipped with depth bands and packer wheels. This is usually the most reliable seeding method. Seeding equipment that places seed between two corrugated rollers works well in in fine-textured soils that have good moisture retention and are not erosive. Do not use the roller-type seeders on sandy soils because seedlings will dry out due to shallow seed placement
IRRIGATION
The objective of irrigation is to provide the right amount of water at the right time to maximize forage yield and quality. Irrigation water should be uniformly applied at a rate which will not produce surface runoff, and scheduled to minimize water movement below the plant root zone. Alfalfa is sensitive to water stress at harvest. Rapid regrowth depends on adequate soil water. Watering prior to harvest or immediately after is the best time to promote rapid growth. Soil compaction may occur if the field is watered before harvesting. A firm, dry surface is best for traffic and field drying
- Lucerne is renowned for its drought tolerance, but at the same time is very responsive to water.
- It responds well to irrigation.
- Avoid sowing Lucerne into dry soil
- Seedling plants should have adequate moisture for successful establishment.
Irrigation requirement in desert soils under Sprinklers
100000 lit /ha in winter and 140000 lit/ha in summer
CENTER PIVOT IRRIGATION:
The benefits of irrigation under pivot are well established: Longevity of facilities, low servicing and maintenance, savings of both time and energy, uniformity of irrigation, maximized yield and adaptation to large scale projects. The water requirement of Alfalfa is 0.20 to 0.36 acre inches per day depending on the soil type and Evapo Transpiration. Irrigation water must penetrate to a depth of 80–100 cm to ensure high Lucerne yields. Normally, more than 90% of irrigated Lucerne roots are found in this part of the soil profile.
MOISTURE CONTROL SYSTEM:
This is a moisture measurement system that is integrated with the irrigation mechanism. This helps optimize water by regulating the irrigation time and cycles depending upon the moisture content of the soil. It works on a software that is controlled and monitored by the crop engineers at site and is provided by the irrigation system supplier
![Picture](/uploads/1/0/7/0/10709207/published/pic3.jpg?1584867121)
IoT IN AGRICULTURE:
For farmers and growers, the Internet of Things has opened up extremely productive ways to cultivate soil and raise livestock with the use of cheap, easy-to-install sensors and an abundance of insightful data they offer. Prospering on this prolific build-up of the Internet of Things in agriculture, smart farming applications are gaining ground with the promise to deliver 24/7 visibility into soil and crop health, machinery in use, storage conditions, animal behavior, and energy consumption level.
IoT sensors capable of providing farmers with information about soil moisture control, crop yields, rainfall, pest infestation, and soil nutrition are invaluable to production and offer precise data which can be used to improve farming techniques over time. Irrigation has become an increasingly important risk management tool for growers. An understanding of soil moisture management is key for growers to make irrigation management decisions. The recommended approach for optimal root zone soil water management includes irrigation water management (scheduling) and soil moisture monitoring. Recent advancements in soil moisture monitoring technology make it a cost effective risk management tool.
For farmers and growers, the Internet of Things has opened up extremely productive ways to cultivate soil and raise livestock with the use of cheap, easy-to-install sensors and an abundance of insightful data they offer. Prospering on this prolific build-up of the Internet of Things in agriculture, smart farming applications are gaining ground with the promise to deliver 24/7 visibility into soil and crop health, machinery in use, storage conditions, animal behavior, and energy consumption level.
IoT sensors capable of providing farmers with information about soil moisture control, crop yields, rainfall, pest infestation, and soil nutrition are invaluable to production and offer precise data which can be used to improve farming techniques over time. Irrigation has become an increasingly important risk management tool for growers. An understanding of soil moisture management is key for growers to make irrigation management decisions. The recommended approach for optimal root zone soil water management includes irrigation water management (scheduling) and soil moisture monitoring. Recent advancements in soil moisture monitoring technology make it a cost effective risk management tool.
![Picture](/uploads/1/0/7/0/10709207/editor/2904210.png?1497028991)
*** Fertilizer doses depend on soil test and availability of nutrients in the soil.