Lucerne

Legume

(Medicago sativa)

Also known as Alfalfa, this plant once established can produce large quantities of high protein feed. It has a deep root system which means it can cope even in drought conditions. Being a legume the large dry matter yield is produced with no bagged nitrogen. It is often established alongside less competitive companion grasses like timothy and meadow fescue. It is slow growing and care has to be taken to select the right field if it is going to be grown.

Uses

Silage / hay

Sowing Rate

8-15kgs/acre

Persistence

4 Years

Sowing Period

April to August

Yield Potential

10-15t DM per ha.

Management

Adequate levels are essential and a pH of 7 should be aimed for. Treatment of lucerne seed with rhizobium is essential prior to sowing to ensure root nodulation. It is a small seed and should not be sown any deeper than 1cm. Only suitable in the southern half of the country as establishment is very slow and requires good soil temperatures.