Alfalfa

With 14 to 15 million salt-affected acres in the U.S., it’s clear managing saline soils is a big challenge for some farmers.

In Mississippi, a coordinated research and demonstration/extension effort has substantially increased alfalfa acreage since 2014. As some of the targeted producers in the region have a negative view of alfalfa and its management challenges, many of these efforts have been under a pretext of demonstrating cutting and fertility management techniques.

Alfalfa’s potassium requirement

Alfalfa requires potassium in the greatest amount to facilitate its maximum growth potential. For a healthy stand and optimum hay yields, alfalfa absorbs potassium more than any other nutrient from the soil.

To produce high-quality alfalfa, growers must be engaged in the timely management of pests, including weeds. Seedling alfalfa is especially susceptible to weed interference as interspecific competition can inhibit alfalfa growth and development and compromise stand persistence.

How big is the salinity problem?

Salinity and its detrimental effect on agriculture is not a new problem.

Forages play an integral role on any livestock operation. In many parts of the South, the ability to grow both warm- and cool-season forages allows producers to benefit from grazing throughout most of the year on their operations.