Growing Alfalfa During Drought

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Keeping alfalfa stands alive during drought is a challenge for growers. New Mexico State University's Anna María Pérez-Wright reports.

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Drought may force New Mexico alfalfa growers to change the way they manage the crop. Agronomist Denise McWilliams with New Mexico State University's Cooperative Extension Service says growers should rethink how they cut, irrigate and fertilize their alfalfa to keep stands alive.

"You might consider how often you cut. In the past, you may have gotten anywhere from one to five cuttings, but under drought strategies, limit that by one to two cuttings or even more. Also, your timing on cutting is important. Try to cut at the ten to twenty-five percent bloom stage. This will allow a longer persistence of the plant through the drought period and will allow the alfalfa crop to continue past this one year of growth."

McWilliams also says that growers need to be especially vigilant in controlling insects, and monitoring soil conditions and the stress of cutting.

"During drought periods or water stress periods like we're experiencing this year, try to maintain at least six to eight inches of top growth still on the plant once you go through harvest. This will allow enough photosynthetic material to maintain root growth throughout the drought period."

On the bright side, McWilliams says drought can actually raise alfalfa's quality and feed value. For more information, contact your county Extension office. For N-M-S-U's College of Agriculture and Home Economics, I'm Anna María Pérez-Wright.

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