Alfalfa:

Alfalfa is one of the most important forage crops in the world because it has a high content of protein and highly digestible fiber from perennial legume which is used as a green manure and cover crop. Alfalfa can fix the air nitrogen by Rhizobium melitoli bacteria that are active on plant roots, as convert N₂ to the available nitrogen for plant. Alfalfa can be sown in spring or fall, and does best on well-drained soils with a neutral pH of 6.5-7.5. The use of nitrogen (N) is not suggested when alfalfa is seeded in medium or fine-textured soils because a reduction in nodulation might be observed. Alfalfa requires to 20-30 kg/ha nitrogen as fertilizer and higher contents of nitrogen fertilization leads to reduce the activities of rhizobium bacteria. It is recommended using 15-25 kg nitrogen per hectare before planting, however it should be noted that the excessive nitrogen fertilization should be avoided in order to increase the efficiency of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. A small amount of N may be applied when alfalfa is seeded with a nurse or companion crop. It should be sufficient the concentrations of cobalt and molybdenum in soil in order to fix the air nitrogen by rhizobia. Alfalfa requires to sufficient levels of potassium and phosphorous to grow well, also. The yield and life period of alfalfa will reduced significantly if the above-mentioned nutrients are inadequate or soil pH is less than 6.5. Alfalfa also needs to sulfur, calcium, magnesium and micronutrients such as iron, zinc, copper and boron in addition to nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, molybdenum and cobalt to achieve the better yield and quality.

Nutritional Management Guide for Alfalfa, Recommended by Kia Sabz Ashian Kousha Corporation

*­ The highlighted cells are indicating the suggested fertilizer for the crop.

Properties the Suggested Fertilizer for Alfalfa:

Increase yield                       Increase Quality                  Micronutrients as chelate form                         No-chlorine