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Upa Creek, MO

Does anyone else use these when tilling to add organic matter, N, P and K? They also contain minerals, but I rarely hear anything on here about Alfalfa pellets.

Any reason to avoid?

I have easy access to an unlimited supply, so any opinions are appreciated.

2/21/2025 9:48:47 PM

Iowa

I've been adding the last few years on the recommendation from Cecil who does my soil analysis. Full disclosure he says alfalfa meal, but said the pellets are a pretty similar substitute. My weights have gone up the last few years after I started using them, but that also coincides with working on getting the soil nutrients balanced as well so could just be anecdotal coincidence. The one thing I do know they help with is drawing earthworms to the patch, which has its own benefits. Overall, I haven't seen any negatives from using them so seems like you have a pretty good deal there.

2/21/2025 10:34:13 PM

Grittyville, WA

I'd try spreading some on the soil surface rather than tilled in. Do a comparison if possible? Great for minerals, I'm envious.

2/21/2025 10:56:35 PM

Ironton, ohio

i sling them across my patch after a few rains they puff up and start to break down, and eventually they get tilled in with all my other amendments. in my mind they are a net positive.

2/22/2025 4:35:19 AM

Germany

Alfalfa contains triacontanol, which could be a good thing for plant growth.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1-Triacontanol

2/22/2025 7:52:13 AM

Bethlehem CT

I did last year and grew a personal best. I had read an old organic gardening article about the use of alfalfa pellets and its benefits, that was enough to convince me.

2/22/2025 8:08:55 AM

Upa Creek, MO

Thanks for the replies. I'd like to compare, but I am only growing 2 plants.

For those who use them, do you use compost with it? I do not want to over apply and get the OM too high. Around 10 years ago, I over did it with compost and it turned out to be a very hot and humid summer. Disease was rampant early on and the season was a bust by late June.

Side note on my growing area: I grow very low on the water table basically what was a spring fed creek years ago. The source was diverted, but I am still in clay. I have a small pond (with liner) next to my patch area, and the water came up so high this winter underneath it pushed the liner 2 feet off the ground spilling a lot of the water out. It sat inverted like that for 6 weeks until the area finally drained underneath and the liner settled again. Point being, I really have to be reserved on everything I add this spring since it takes a while to dry out. I am leaning towards alfalfa pellets, minimal compost and some sand. Everything else will be determined from soil test.

Again, thanks for the replies.

2/22/2025 8:59:53 AM

Stilwell, KS

Alfalfa is my go to for organic matter. ~20:1 C:N ratio, 2-1-2 ish for NPK. I use ~10 square bales(~60lbs each) of it each year. Trying it as a main ingredient in composting this year also. I’m hopeful it is doing good things.

2/22/2025 9:03:35 AM

Grittyville, WA

They could be used to make tea for drenching the soil or as a foliar spray. Thats the route I'd go. Adding raw materials anywhere but in limited amounts to soil surface can throw the soil biology off, in my experience. I do think it could increase disease if its not well composted by the time your vines are growing.

2/22/2025 12:05:07 PM

Western NY

I use them, they're probably good worm food. I just till them in. I used to use alfalfa meal from the feed mill but that stuff is so dusty you can't have any wind at all when you spread it.

2/22/2025 5:16:36 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Hey Luke, I use 50 lbs of alpha meal per growing spot every year. Smells good and I’m told the worms love it.

2/22/2025 5:57:47 PM

Bethlehem CT

I will try and find the article that I read. There was a sweet spot that they recommended for the application rate. They found that after a certain point the yield was reduced with an increase in pellets. I was surprised. If I remember right I think I used a 50 pound bag for my 5 melon plants and three atlantic giants.

2/22/2025 6:33:37 PM

Bethlehem CT

I like your plan Luke. I think you will have good results. I would be careful with covering the vines too. Maybe try growing without any vine covering.

2/22/2025 6:36:40 PM

Upa Creek, MO

I am definitely going to incorporate into the soil in late March. Should have plenty of time for the pellets to break down. Took last year off to rest the area, excited to get going.

Thanks for the responses

2/23/2025 8:49:54 AM

New Castle, Indiana

@North Shore Boyz......I think the smell is a matter of a opinion there....lol.

2/23/2025 9:27:31 AM

50 Acres

I also use alfalfa meal. with it I use sugar beet meal.sugar beets ground up no mollasas added. I find I have more worms in my garden. Jim

2/23/2025 10:14:27 AM

Trumbull, CT 06611, USA

I used 50 pounds of alfalfa pellets per plant. Spread in early April. They break down fairly quick after it rains.

2/23/2025 11:05:15 AM