Alfalfa

The ability of the roots to obtain moisture and nutrients from deep in the soil makes alfalfa an especially useful forage crop during periods of drought. Alfalfa does best on deep loam soils with high lime content. It is relatively drought tolerant but will respond well to irrigation and produce excellent hay.

Alfalfa tolerates some alkalinity and has fair salt tolerance. As it is a nitrogen-fixing plant, it needs little nitrogen from fertilization. However, legumes such as alfalfa require relatively large amounts of phosphorus, potassium and sulphur. Alfalfa is very sensitive to soil acidity. It is intolerant of flooding, water-logging, or poor internal soil drainage during the growing season. It will withstand short periods of flooding and water-logging for up to two weeks before growth begins in the spring.

Alfalfa is an excellent hay crop adapted to Interior and Northern areas of BC. The variety selected should combine adequate hardiness with the best possible yield. Alfalfa is quite palatable and withstands grazing fairly well, provided it is not overgrazed. Varieties with creeping roots generally withstand grazing pressure better than others. By including at least half grass in the pasture mixture, the risk of bloat is greatly reduced. The bloat hazard is diminished if grazing is delayed until after the bloom stage.