Alfalfa /Lucerne /Medicago Sativa / Methi /Rajka Fodder Grass

Seed Rate

7-8 Kg/Acre or 20 Kg/ha.

Germination time

6-10 days

Seed treatment

Can be treated with Rhizobium bacteria for nitrogen fixation. In addition to rhizobium, a base fungicide like metalaxyl or mefenoxam (Apron) in a standard seed treatment helps protect germinating seed from early-season fungal diseases.

Sowing Method

Alfalfa roots quickly, it doesn’t require deep planting—only about a half inch (1 cm.) deep. Merely sprinkle the seeds evenly onto the soil and cover lightly with dirt. Use about 100-110g of seeds per 25 square feet and space rows. Once seedlings have reached about 6 to 12 inches (15-31 cm.), thin them as needed to avoid overcrowding issues.

Soil Requirement

Alfalfa does well on well-drained soil rather than wet, heavy clay soils and requires good soil pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.0.

Irrigation

Alfalfa does not really use more water than other crops.

Harvesting

First harvest 75 – 80 days after sowing. Subsequent harvests are made at intervals of 25 – 30 days. Alfalfa Plant If planting alfalfa for livestock, it will need to be harvested and cured prior to flowering (known as early-bloom stage). It becomes more difficult for these animals to digest once the plant matures. Harvesting in this early-bloom stage also ensures the most optimal nutrient percentages, which is often found in the plant’s leaves.

Uses

Lucerne also termed as `Queen of fodders’. It is a Multi-cut Variety. Lucerne adds nitrogen to the soil and improves soil fertility. It is grown for green fodder, hay, silage but does not tolerate close grazing. This alfalfa seed is rich in antioxidants and an excellent source of protein and minerals and vitamins.