Quick notes
Alfalfa , ahighly nutritiousand various forage craw , is widely cultivated in Oklahoma for itsexceptional feedvalue and territory - enrich properties . Planting Medicago sativa inOklahoma requires punctilious preparationand attachment to specific steps to ensure optimum growth and productiveness . This comprehensive guide will cater you with all the essential knowledge and technique to successfully plant alfalfa in the Sooner State .
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
pick out the appropriate site for alfalfa cultivation is all important . Choose well - drained , deep soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 . Avoid expanse withexcessive salinityor inadequate drainage , as they can embarrass settle ontogenesis and plant ontogenesis . Before planting , conduct asoil testto learn the soil’snutrient levelsand pH. Amend the dirt accordingly to even up any deficiencies . Incorporate organic matter , such as compost or manure , to improve soil fertility and body structure .
Variety Selection
choose the right alfalfa variety is crucial for success in Oklahoma ’s climate . Choose varieties adapt to the country ’s specific condition , such as drought tolerance , disease electrical resistance , andhigh yield potentiality . Consult with your local seed monger or extension service of process for recommendations based on your localisation and desired outcomes .
Planting Time
The ideal planting time for alfalfa in Oklahoma is from mid - August to mid - September . This provide the industrial plant toestablish rootsbefore the onset of wintertime . nullify plant too early , ashigh temperaturesand humidity can strain the seedlings .
Seedbed Preparation
educate a firm and weed - free seedbed by disking or harrowing the soil . Ensure the seedbed is level and liberal oflarge clodsor detritus that can interpose with germ - to - soil touch .
Seeding Rate and Depth
Therecommended seeding ratefor alfalfa in Oklahoma is 20 - 25 pounds per acre . Plant the seed at a astuteness of 1/2 to 1 inch . Deeper planting can stymie seedling emergence , whileshallower plantingcan break the cum to drying circumstance .
Inoculation
Alfalfa requires specific bacteria , live as Rhizobium meliloti , tofix nitrogenfrom the atmospheric state . Inoculate the seeds with acommercial Rhizobium inoculantbefore planting to see to it passable N fixation .
Irrigation
Alfalfa requires regular irrigation , especially during the establishment phase . Water the seedlings deeply and infrequently toencourage deep root growing . Adjust thewatering schedule basedon rainfall and soil wet tier .
Weed Control
in effect weed control is essential for optimal lucerne increase . Use a combining of cultural practices , such as crop revolution and mowing , and chemical herbicides tomanage weeds . Consult with yourlocal extension serviceor alicensed pesticide applicatorfor herbicide recommendations specific to your location and weed mintage .
Harvesting
Alfalfa can be reap multiple times pergrowing season . The optimal crop meter is when the plants are at the 10 % bloom microscope stage . Harvesting tooearly reduce payoff , while harvesting too late via media forage quality . habituate a mower - conditioner to cut the lucerne and condition it to alleviate dry out .
Conclusion: A Bountiful Harvest of Alfalfa in Oklahoma
By conform to thesecomprehensive guidelines , you could successfully plant and tame alfalfa in Oklahoma . With proper internet site selection , soil preparation , variety extract , planting techniques , and on-going direction practices , you will reap the welfare of thishighly nutritiousand fertile forage crop for long time to come .
FAQ
Q : When is the estimable sentence toplant alfalfain Oklahoma?A : Theideal planting timeis from mid - August to mid - September . Q : What is therecommended seeding ratefor alfalfa in Oklahoma?A : 20 - 25 pounds per Akka . Q : How deep should I implant the Medicago sativa seeds?A : 1/2 to 1 inch . Q : Do I need to vaccinate the alfalfa seeds?A : Yes , with acommercial Rhizobium inoculantto control adequate nitrogen fixation . Q : How often should I water alfalfa?A : piddle theseedlings deeplyand infrequently toencourage deep root development . set thewatering agenda basedon rainfall and soil wet levels . Q : When is theoptimal timeto harvest home alfalfa?A : At the 10 % flower stage .
