Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Alfalfa
Legume

[{"question":"What is alfalfa and why is it called the queen of forages?","answer":"Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), also known as lucerne, is a deep-rooted perennial legume considered the highest-quality forage crop in North America. It earns the title 'queen of forages' for its unmatched combination of high protein (16-22% crude protein), high yield (4-8 tons per acre annually), nitrogen fixation (150-300 lbs N per acre), and persistence (5-10+ year stands). Alfalfa's taproot penetrates 10-20+ feet, making it exceptionally drought-tolerant once established."},{"question":"What soil conditions does alfalfa require?","answer":"Alfalfa demands well-drained soil with pH 6.5-7.5—it will not tolerate acidic conditions below pH 6.0 or waterlogged soils. Lime applications are often necessary before planting. Alfalfa requires high phosphorus and potassium levels and performs best on deep, fertile loam soils. It does not tolerate high water tables, heavy clay without drainage, or compacted soils. Soil testing and correction 6-12 months before planting is strongly recommended."},{"question":"How long does alfalfa take to establish?","answer":"Alfalfa germinates in 7-10 days at soil temperatures above 65°F. Seedlings develop slowly for the first 60 days as the taproot establishes. First harvest is typically 60-90 days after planting. A full, productive stand is established by the second growing season. Do not graze or harvest new alfalfa stands until plants reach early bloom stage (approximately 10% of plants showing flowers) to ensure root carbohydrate reserves are adequate for regrowth."},{"question":"How many cuttings of alfalfa can you get per year?","answer":"In USDA zones 4-6, expect 3-4 cuttings per year. In zones 7-8, 4-6 cuttings are possible. Harvest when alfalfa reaches early to mid-bloom (10-50% of plants flowering) for the best balance of yield and quality. Cutting intervals of 28-35 days maintain stand health. Always allow the last fall cutting 4-6 weeks before first expected frost so plants can rebuild root reserves for winter survival."},{"question":"What is the seeding rate for alfalfa?","answer":"Seed alfalfa at 15-20 lbs per acre for pure stands, or 8-12 lbs per acre when mixed with grasses. For small plots, use approximately 0.5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft. Plant at 0.25-0.5 inch depth in a firm, well-prepared seedbed. Inoculate seed with Sinorhizobium meliloti (alfalfa-specific) inoculant before planting—this is critical for nitrogen fixation and cannot be substituted with clover inoculants."},{"question":"How deep do alfalfa roots grow?","answer":"Alfalfa develops one of the deepest root systems of any cultivated crop. Taproots commonly reach 10-15 feet in well-drained soils and have been documented exceeding 20-25 feet. This extraordinary root depth provides exceptional drought tolerance, access to deep soil moisture and nutrients, and significant soil structure improvement. When old alfalfa stands are terminated, the decomposing root channels improve water infiltration and aeration for subsequent crops."},{"question":"Can alfalfa be planted with grass for pasture?","answer":"Yes. Alfalfa-grass mixtures are among the most productive pasture systems available. Common companion grasses include orchardgrass, timothy, smooth bromegrass, and tall fescue. In mixed stands, alfalfa provides protein and nitrogen fixation while grasses provide energy (carbohydrates), ground cover, and reduced bloat risk. Plant alfalfa at 8-12 lbs per acre with grass at 4-8 lbs per acre. The grass component reduces (but does not eliminate) bloat risk compared to pure alfalfa."}]