Assessing Alfalfa Stands

Now is the time to be looking at your alfalfa fields to make stand evaluations. Even though we had good snow cover this winter, it is still important to look at your fields this spring before you finalize your cropping decisions. By evaluating stands now you will be able to make decisions about what fields to save, what fields are getting thinner and need to be replaced soon, and what may need to be rotated to another crop this year.


The best way to valuate you stand is to look at the above ground part of the plant first. Check to see how many shoots you have in a square foot, over 55 stems per square foot is ideal, 40-55 means yields may be reduced, and under 40 means the stand is poor and may need to be replaced. Look to see that the shoots are coming from all sides of the crown and not only one side. Check for crowns that may have heaved up over winter or do not show any new shoot growth.

Also be sure to dig some roots and check to see how healthy the crowns are. Healthy crowns and roots will look white to cream colored and will be firm. If the crowns are discolored they may be infected with some root rot diseases that will limit production.

Talk to your Trelay DSM if you have questions or would like help in evaluating your alfalfa stands this spring to make sure you get the most from every acre that you farm.