Vernal Alfalfa

$2.70 - $2.85 lb

Vernal alfalfa is one of the original lines of alfalfa genetics that has been around for many years. It is very drought and winter hardy. Vernal is best used for hay production on dryland or in alfalfa/grass mixtures to be hayed or grazed.

Seeding Rate:
Good Soil, Adequate Moisture: 15-20 lbs/acre
Light Soil, Dry conditions: 12-15 lbs/acre

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Product Guide

Planting

  • Planting Time:
    • Early Spring: After hard freezing conditions have ended
    • Late Summer/Early Fall: Allow 4-6 weeks of growth before the first hard frost
  • Seeding Rate:
    • Good Soil, Adequate Moisture: 15-20 lbs/acre
    • Light Soil, Dry conditions: 12-15 lbs/acre
  • Ideal Seed Depth: ½”
    • Alfalfa should be drilled into a firm seedbed or broadcasted and packed

Fertility

  • Alfalfa requires 12 lbs of P2O5, 49 lbs of K2O, and 5.4 lbs of S per ton of forage.
  • Make fertilizer applications based on expected yield and soil fertility levels.
  • If soil fertility levels are low, applying 25-30 lbs/acre of nitrogen at planting will help increase stand establishment.
  • Do not exceed a total of 10 lbs/acre of N+K if fertilizer is placed in-furrow at planting.

Weed Control

Plant into a clean, weed-free seed bed and use the herbicide options below for optimal weed control:

Timing Herbicide Rate Notes Weeds Controlled Control Method
Preplant Inc. or Preemergence Eptam 7E (EPTC) 2.25-4.50 pts/a Apply and incorporate 2-3″ immediately after application and plant shortly after Grasses & Broadleaves Residual
Makaze (Glyphosate) 1 qt/a Apply any time before crop emergence Grasses & Broadleaves Contact
Postemergence (seedling) Butyrac 200 (2,4-DB) 1-3 qts/a Apply before weed heights exceed 3″ Broadleaves Contact
Pursuit (Imazethapyr) 3-6 oz/a Apply when seedling alfalfa is in the second trifoliate stage or larger Broadleaves Contact
Poast (Sethoxydim) 0.75-2.0 pts/a Apply before weeds exceed 8″ in height Grasses Contact
Select Max (Clethodim) 9-16 oz/a Apply before weeds exceed 8″ in height Grasses Contact
Prowl H2O (Pendimethalin) 1.1-2.1 pts/a Apply after the 2nd trifoliate growth stage, but before the crop reaches 6″ in height Grasses & Broadleaves Residual
Broclean (Bromoxynil) 1.0-1.5 pts/a Apply when alfalfa has a minimum of 4 fully developed trifoliates Broadleaves Contact
Postemergence (established) Butyrac 200 (2,4-DB) 1-3 qts/a Apply before weed heights exceed 3″ Broadleaves Contact
Pursuit (Imazethapyr) 3-6 oz/a Apply immediately after a cutting before excessive regrowth begins Broadleaves Contact
Poast (Sethoxydim) 0.75-2.0 pts/a Apply before weeds exceed 8″ in height Grasses Contact
Select Max (Clethodim) 9-16 oz/a Apply before weeds exceed 8″ in height Grasses Contact
Prowl H2O (Pendimethalin) 1.1-4.2 qts/a Apply while crop is dormant, or after a cutting before crop reaches 6″ in regrowth Grasses & Broadleaves Residual

*Always read and follow label instructions before making an application 

Disclaimer: All products and rates were provided by university-based sources and product labels. Always follow label instructions and consult your local chemical dealer and seed dealer before making any applications or planting of seed.

 

Management

  • Nurse Crops: Spring seeded alfalfa can be planted with a small grain nurse crop such as oats, barley, or spring triticale. Use 1/3 – ½ seeding rates of the nurse crop to avoid over competing with new alfalfa. Ex. 1 bushel of oats as a nurse crop vs. a full rate of 3 bushels.
  • Nurse crops have little benefit to late summer/early fall seedings and are not recommended.
  • Avoid pushing new alfalfa seedings too hard during the establishment year. 1-2 cuttings during the first year are acceptable, depending on growing conditions and region.
  • Allow 3-4 weeks from the time of the last cutting until the average first frost date to allow alfalfa to regenerate reserves needed to survive winter and perform well the following year.

Multiple Regions

Every acre is different and our goal is to help you know what works best in your area. This 'Growing Regions' section showcases where this species works best. If you have any questions on product placement, feel free to contact our experts and we will help!

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