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Columbia, Kentucky

Just curious on the best time to add alfalfa (pellets) in the fall or spring... Or both. I already have amended for fall and have cover crop in full gear. Woundering if in my situation tilling it in with the cover crop in the spring would be my best bet.

10/25/2015 1:17:36 PM

Bottom of ohio

Spring

10/25/2015 5:55:41 PM

Columbia, Kentucky

Any experience that you would like to share Bill?

10/26/2015 6:31:11 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

I use it and read in a few different articles to add in spring. It generally has a 3-1-3 NPK ratio so I assume you add in spring to retain nitrogen from leaching (vs Fall). It also has a bunch of trace elements, and helps feed microorganisms.

10/26/2015 9:01:33 PM

Tennessee

How much per 1000 sq foot? I know soil report has influence but what would be general guide?

10/26/2015 9:19:35 PM

Bottom of ohio

I use it as a nitrogen source so fall wouldn't work it will leach out before it's needed

10/27/2015 9:40:52 AM

Columbia, Kentucky

Thanks all , I am low in nitrogen so i planted a cover crop and will add alfalfa in the spring as i till in cover crop.

10/27/2015 9:00:00 PM

Glosta

This is from http://www.ext.colostate.edu/mg/gardennotes/234.html#alfalfa

Alfalfa meal or pellets are often used as animal feed. Primarily they are used to increase organic matter in the soil but do offer nutrients and a high availability of trace minerals. They contain trianconatol, a natural fatty-acid growth stimulant.




Alfalfa Meal or Pellets


Typical NPK analysis

2-1-2


Release time

1-4 months


Pros

Available at feed stores


Cons

May contain seeds


Application

Till in 2-5 pounds per 100 square feet


Release Time – Organic products require the activity of soil microorganisms before nutrients are available for plant uptake. Microorganism activity is generally dependant on soil temperatures greater than 50°F in the presence of sufficient soil moisture. Dry and/or cold soil conditions will delay the release of nutrients from these organic sources. This period refers to how long these products are available if applied to the soil. Use this information to time the application of the product.



Hope this helps.

11/6/2015 7:48:49 AM