alfalfa???

[Darron]

Does anyone here plant alfalfa? Is it easy to establish? What areas does it thrive in?

[So. Ohio Outfitters]

Alfalfa isn't easy....if your going for a plot, I'd probably pick something a little easier to grow. The ground has to be super sweet, and takes a while to establish and a lot of work to maintain.

[Darron]

What would you recommend for bottom land plots that sometimes hold water? I have about 1/2 acre-3/4 acre opening on my property that I would like to turn into a FALL plot. Any suggestions? I was thinking about Rack Masters Deer Vetch and planting some millet. The millet would be good for turkeys as well. One of my neighbors has all the equipment, just trying to figure out what to plant?

[So. Ohio Outfitters]

Darron........here's some stuff I found for you. Hope it helps.


I believe that alsike clover would be the clover that you want.

I have not personally used it but here is what it says off the welter seed website about it.

"Alsike Clover

Alsike Clover is a short-lived perennial that does well on low, poorly drained acid soil.

Alsike Clover is very palatable to all grazing animals. Use it in mixtures to sow on lowlands for hay or pasture. Alsike Clover will tolerate flooding for longer periods, but it may be killed off if drought periods become prolonged.

Establishment
Alsike responds well to phosphate, potash and lime. Any needed fertilizer should be incorporated during seedbed preparation whenever possible. Soil pH should be brought up to at least 6.0 when a new stand is established. Soil should be firmed around the seed by using a drill with packer wheels or by cultipacking after seeding. Weedy competition needs to be controlled until the stand is established.

I would second the Alsike clover. I use it all the time in creek bottom plots.

I would also recommend it because it is cheap seed at $50 to $60 for a 50 pound bag.

If it floods out, you aren't really out much money. It is a very short lived clover and I like to "overseed/frost seed" each year.

I would not recommend it for other clover plots though, as better, longer living clover seed can be purchased.

[deerhunt45]

My farmers/landowners planting plenty of alfalfa :D

Good hay has been going for what $7/$8 a bale?

[So. Ohio Outfitters]

My farmers/landowners planting plenty of alfalfa :D

Good hay has been going for what $7/$8 a bale?

same here...but its hard to maintain, and expensive...as you have to use plenty of lime and fertilizer....also, if we have another dry year, it might not do that great like last year...it needs just the right amount of everything...and if it gets to much moisture....it will go bad....

[deerhunt45]

same here...but its hard to maintain, and expensive...as you have to use plenty of lime and fertilizer....also, if we have another dry year, it might not do that great like last year...it needs just the right amount of everything...and if it gets to much moisture....it will go bad....

You are so right. I am contribute some lime and fertilizer in exchange for hunting privileges so I take care of them alfalfa fields. They are deer magnets all season!

[hoot gibson]

same here...but its hard to maintain, and expensive...as you have to use plenty of lime and fertilizer....also, if we have another dry year, it might not do that great like last year...it needs just the right amount of everything...and if it gets to much moisture....it will go bad....

so. ohio . not arguing with you im sure youve done your home work . but when we were going to plant alfalfa, they told us to send them a soil sample , that they had a large variety of seeds for different soil. we went with something else . h

[So. Ohio Outfitters]

so. ohio . not arguing with you im sure youve done your home work . but when we were going to plant alfalfa, they told us to send them a soil sample , that they had a large variety of seeds for different soil. we went with something else . h

I'm sure there are different varities of alfalfa, just as there is different varities of field corn....but, compared to other seed clovers, alfalfa is very hard to raise. You do have to send soil samples in, but by and large, most soils, probably 90% of them CAN NOT grow alfalfa to its MAXIMUM potential WITHOUT lots of lime and fert....a lot of soils will grow alfalfa, but poorly without help.....if your wanting a seed that doesn't take a lot of effort and money, don't pick alfalfa......its a great attractant, but there's lots of other less expensive ways to do it....I understand what your saying however hoot....there are different seeds for different applications...wet, rocky, dry, sandy, etc....on and on and on....but, darron had specifically asked about alfalfa....that's why I addressed that seed.

[epe]

Where do you buy your alsike in 50# bags at?

[hoot gibson]

thanks ,, h

[Duffy]

Alfalfa? Wasn't he in love with Darla?