Answers about alfalfa

Exploring the Complex World of Alfalfa Production with Joseph Sagers, with the University of Idaho Extension

• The critical role of environmental conditions in Idaho that favor alfalfa growth, including low humidity and the unique day-night temperature variations. 
• How soil types and pH levels in Idaho contribute to alfalfa's success, and the importance of avoiding waterlogged conditions for optimal growth. 
• The benefits and challenges of multiple cuttings per season, including the timing for planting and the impact of seasonal changes on alfalfa's dormancy and yield. 
• Insights into the autotoxicity of alfalfa, which prevents new alfalfa growth in existing fields, and strategies for crop rotation and reseeding. 
• Management practices for nutrient application, emphasizing alfalfa's need for phosphorus and potassium over nitrogen. 
• Effective strategies for controlling weed and insect pressures, including the use of specific herbicides and the importance of early management. 
•  The emerging threat of voles in Idaho and the limited options for control, highlighting the need for ongoing research and innovative solutions. 
• Guidelines for selecting alfalfa varieties tailored to specific environmental and management conditions, with a nod to the resources provided by the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance. 
• Whether you're a seasoned alfalfa grower or new to the field, this episode is packed with practical advice and expert knowledge to help you succeed.