When to Plant Alfalfa in Missouri: A Guide for Farmers

When to Plant Alfalfa in Missouri?

Alfalfa is a perennial legume that is grown for its high-quality forage. It is a valuable crop for Missouri farmers, as it can be used to improve soil quality, reduce erosion, and provide livestock with a nutritious feed source. However, in order to get the most out of your alfalfa crop, it is important to plant it at the right time.

The best time to plant alfalfa in Missouri is in the early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. This will give the crop plenty of time to establish itself before the hot summer weather arrives. However, if you live in a colder climate, you may need to wait until the risk of frost has passed before planting.

In general, you should aim to plant alfalfa when the soil temperature is between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to ensure that the seeds germinate quickly and evenly. You can check the soil temperature by using a soil thermometer.

Once you have planted your alfalfa, it is important to provide it with adequate water and nutrients. Alfalfa is a heavy feeder, so it will need to be fertilized regularly. You should also water your alfalfa crop deeply and frequently, especially during dry periods.

By following these tips, you can successfully grow alfalfa in Missouri and enjoy the many benefits of this valuable crop.

Month	Ideal Planting Date	Notes
March	Early to mid-month	Ideal for warm-season alfalfa varieties.
April	Mid- to late-month	Ideal for cool-season alfalfa varieties.
May	Late-month to early June	Not ideal for alfalfa planting, but can be done if necessary.

Climate and Soil Conditions

The ideal climate for growing alfalfa in Missouri is one with warm summers and cool winters. The average temperature should be between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with an annual rainfall of 20 to 30 inches. Alfalfa does not tolerate drought well, so it is important to make sure that the soil has good drainage and is able to hold moisture.

The soil pH for growing alfalfa should be between 6.0 and 7.0. Alfalfa does not tolerate acidic soils, so it is important to lime the soil if necessary to bring the pH into the proper range.

The following table provides a more detailed overview of the ideal climate and soil conditions for growing alfalfa in Missouri:

| Climate | Soil Conditions |
|—|—|
| Warm summers and cool winters | Well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 |
| Annual rainfall of 20 to 30 inches | Drought tolerance |
| Acidic soils | Lime the soil to bring the pH into the proper range |

Varieties of Alfalfa

There are many different varieties of alfalfa that are grown in Missouri. The variety that you choose will depend on the specific growing conditions on your farm.

The following table provides a brief overview of some of the most common varieties of alfalfa that are grown in Missouri:

| Variety | Description | Adaptations |
|—|—|—|
| Alfalfa 160 | Early maturing variety with good drought tolerance | Suitable for dry areas |
| Alfalfa 200 | Medium maturing variety with good yield potential | Suitable for most areas |
| Alfalfa 300 | Late maturing variety with good winter hardiness | Suitable for cold areas |

In addition to these three varieties, there are many other varieties of alfalfa that are available. You can find a more comprehensive list of varieties by visiting the University of Missouri Extension website.

When to Plant Alfalfa in Missouri

The best time to plant alfalfa in Missouri is in the early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. This will give the alfalfa plenty of time to establish a good root system before the summer heat sets in.

If you are planting alfalfa in the fall, it is important to make sure that the soil is warm enough. The ideal soil temperature for planting alfalfa is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

The following table provides a more detailed overview of the best time to plant alfalfa in Missouri:

| Region | Best Planting Time |
|—|—|
| Northern Missouri | Early spring |
| Central Missouri | Late spring |
| Southern Missouri | Late summer or early fall |

Growing alfalfa in Missouri can be a profitable and sustainable farming practice. By following the tips in this article, you can help ensure that your alfalfa crop is successful.

Here are a few additional tips for growing alfalfa in Missouri:

• Choose a variety of alfalfa that is adapted to your specific growing conditions.
• Plant alfalfa in a well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
• Fertilize your alfalfa crop according to the recommendations of your local extension agent.
• Irrigate your alfalfa crop as needed during dry periods.
• Control weeds and pests to protect your alfalfa crop.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your alfalfa crop is healthy and productive.

When is the best time to plant alfalfa in Missouri?

The best time to plant alfalfa in Missouri is in the early spring, as soon as the ground can be worked. This is typically between March and April. However, you can also plant alfalfa in the fall, as long as the ground is not frozen.

When planting alfalfa in the spring, you should wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to ensure that the seeds germinate quickly and evenly.

When planting alfalfa in the fall, you should wait until the soil has cooled down to at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to prevent the seeds from germinating too early and being damaged by frost.

How do you prepare the soil for planting?

The first step in preparing the soil for planting alfalfa is to till it to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. This will help to loosen the soil and improve drainage.

If your soil is heavy clay, you may need to add sand or compost to improve drainage. If your soil is sandy, you may need to add organic matter to improve its water-holding capacity.

Once you have tilled the soil, you should test it to determine its pH level. Alfalfa grows best in soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. If your soil is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH.

How do you plant alfalfa?

Alfalfa seeds are small and difficult to plant by hand. The best way to plant alfalfa is to use a seed drill. A seed drill will evenly distribute the seeds in the soil and help to ensure that they are planted at the proper depth.

The recommended seeding rate for alfalfa is 10 to 12 pounds of seed per acre. You should plant the seeds 1 to 1.5 inches deep.

After planting the seeds, you should lightly cover them with soil and water them thoroughly.

How do you harvest alfalfa?

Alfalfa is a perennial crop that can be harvested for several years. The first cutting of alfalfa is typically made in the early summer, when the plants are about 12 inches tall.

To harvest alfalfa, you should use a sickle or a scythe to cut the plants at ground level. You should then rake the cut plants into windrows and let them dry for a few days.

Once the plants are dry, you can bale them for storage or use.

How do you manage alfalfa pests and diseases?

Alfalfa is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including:

• Aphids
• Leafhoppers
• Whiteflies
• Spider mites
• Bacterial wilt
• Fusarium wilt
• Pythium root rot
• Verticillium wilt

To control pests and diseases, you can use a combination of cultural practices, biological controls, and chemical pesticides.

Cultural practices that can help to control pests and diseases include:

• Rotating crops
• Planting resistant varieties
• Applying compost or manure
• Watering the plants regularly
• Pruning the plants to improve air circulation

Biological controls that can help to control pests and diseases include:

• Beneficial insects
• Nematodes
• Fungi

Chemical pesticides can be used to control pests and diseases that are resistant to biological controls. However, chemical pesticides should be used only as a last resort, as they can harm beneficial insects and other wildlife.

How do you manage weeds in alfalfa fields?

Alfalfa is a competitive crop that can suppress weeds. However, weeds can still be a problem in alfalfa fields, especially if the fields are not properly managed.

To manage weeds in alfalfa fields, you can use a combination of cultural practices, mechanical controls, and chemical herbicides.

Cultural practices that can help to control weeds include:

• Rotating crops
• Planting resistant varieties
• Applying compost or manure
• Watering the plants regularly
• Pruning the plants to improve air circulation

Mechanical controls that can help to control weeds include:

• Hand weeding
• Mulching
• Cultivation

Chemical herbicides can be used to control weeds that are resistant to cultural and mechanical controls. However, chemical herbicides should be used only as a last resort, as they can harm beneficial insects and other wildlife.

How do you fertilize alfalfa?

Alfalfa is a nitrogen-fixing crop, which means that it can produce its own nitrogen. However, alfalfa still

When is the best time to plant alfalfa in Missouri?

The best time to plant alfalfa in Missouri is in the early spring, from late March to early April. This will give the alfalfa plenty of time to establish itself before the hot summer weather arrives.

What are the ideal soil conditions for planting alfalfa?

Alfalfa grows best in well-drained, loamy soils with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. The soil should be deep and fertile, with plenty of organic matter.

How much seed do I need to plant per acre?

The recommended seeding rate for alfalfa is 15 to 20 pounds of seed per acre.

How deep should I plant the seed?

Alfalfa seed should be planted 1 to 1.5 inches deep.

How much water does alfalfa need?

Alfalfa is a drought-tolerant crop, but it does need regular irrigation during the establishment phase. Once the alfalfa is established, it can tolerate short periods of drought.

What kind of fertilizer do I need to use for alfalfa?

Alfalfa is a heavy feeder and requires a lot of fertilizer. The best fertilizer for alfalfa is a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. Alfalfa should be fertilized at least twice a year, in the spring and fall.

What pests and diseases are common to alfalfa?

Alfalfa is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including alfalfa weevils, aphids, leafhoppers, and powdery mildew. It is important to monitor your alfalfa crop for pests and diseases and to treat them as soon as they are detected.

How do I harvest alfalfa?

Alfalfa is harvested by cutting the crop with a mower. The crop is typically harvested two to three times per year.

How do I store alfalfa?

Alfalfa can be stored in silage or hay. Silage is made by chopping the alfalfa and packing it into a silo. Hay is made by drying the alfalfa in the sun.

What are the benefits of growing alfalfa?

Alfalfa is a valuable crop for a number of reasons. It is a high-protein forage that is used to feed livestock. Alfalfa also helps to improve soil quality and reduce erosion.

When to plant alfalfa in Missouri depends on a few factors, including the climate, soil type, and variety of alfalfa you choose. In general, the best time to plant alfalfa is in the spring, when the soil has warmed up and the risk of frost has passed. However, you may also be able to plant alfalfa in the fall, depending on your climate.

If you live in a warm climate, you can plant alfalfa as early as March. However, if you live in a cooler climate, you may need to wait until April or May. The best way to determine when to plant alfalfa is to consult with your local extension agent.

Alfalfa is a nitrogen-fixing crop, which means that it can help to improve the nitrogen content of your soil. This makes it a good choice for rotation with other crops, such as corn or soybeans. Alfalfa is also a good source of forage for livestock.

When choosing a variety of alfalfa, it is important to consider the climate, soil type, and intended use of the crop. There are many different varieties of alfalfa available, so you should be able to find one that is suitable for your needs.

Alfalfa is a versatile crop that can provide many benefits for your farm. By following these tips, you can successfully plant alfalfa in Missouri and enjoy all of the benefits it has to offer.

Here are some key takeaways regarding when to plant alfalfa in Missouri:

• The best time to plant alfalfa is in the spring, when the soil has warmed up and the risk of frost has passed.
• You may also be able to plant alfalfa in the fall, depending on your climate.
• Alfalfa is a nitrogen-fixing crop, which means that it can help to improve the nitrogen content of your soil.
• Alfalfa is a good choice for rotation with other crops, such as corn or soybeans.
• Alfalfa is also a good source of forage for livestock.
• By following these tips, you can successfully plant alfalfa in Missouri and enjoy all of the benefits it has to offer.