Maintaining Alfalfa Stand Through Winter

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Alfalfa stands can survive the winter with proper fall management. New Mexico State University's Anna María Pérez-Wright reports.

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Alfalfa growers should allow at least three weeks between the last cutting and the first killing frost to help stands survive the winter. Agronomist Denise McWilliams with New Mexico State University's Cooperative Extension Service says if water supplies were short throughout the season, growers should consider a six-week rest period before the frost.

"Late fall cuttings will shorten stand life and decrease yield the next spring. Leaving at least six inches of plant material above the soil line will also make plants hardy as they go into the first frost."

McWilliams says another factor that helps stands survive is selecting varieties with winter hardiness and regional disease and insect tolerance.

"Also keeping soil fertility management in line with frequent soil testing is important with potash use where needed--particularly important for plants to have good winter survival."

For more information, call your county Extension office. For N-M-S-U's College of Agriculture and Home Economics, I'm Anna María Pérez-Wright.