Agronomy Mimeo No. 97
                                            

                  (Revised February 1991)         
                                                                
   
 
 GUIDELINES FOR NO-TILLAGE ESTABLISHMENT OF ALFALFA




     Alfalfa is the most important forage legume in Maryland.  It has the 

highest yield potential and the highest feeding value of all perennial hay 

crops. High quality alfalfa hay and corn silage are a perfect combination; 

the protein of alfalfa complements the energy of corn silage. While the 

protein value of alfalfa is of major importance, its energy content is 

also high and should not be discounted. High yields of alfalfa harvested 

at the proper stage of maturity compare favorably with corn silage in 

production of energy.

     Alfalfa is well adapted to a wide range of climatic and soil conditions 

and can be successfully grown throughout Maryland.  However, it is best 

adapted to deep, well-drained,loamy soils.  It is very sensitive to acidity

and seldom succeeds on acid soils.  Thus it generally requires large 

amounts of lime along with readily available supplies of P and K.

     One of the primary concerns in seeding new stands of alfalfa is the 

threat of soil erosion while the new seeding is becoming established. 

Valuable top soil can be lost and the field laced with ruts and gullies

that can damage equipment and be dangerous to equipment operators during

the life of the stand.  Technology is now available to consistently 

establish excellent stands of alfalfa without the need for conventional 

tillage.  No-till seeding not only reduces soil erosion, thus leaving the

field in better physical condition, but also conserves soil moisture for

germination and new seedling growth.  Additional benefits are reduced fuel, 

labor and time requirements, avoiding the problem of soil crusting frequently 

encountered with conventional seedings and seeding on an already firm 

seedbed.  On soils where rocks are a problem, no-till allows them to remain 

below the soil surface, thus reducing the need to pick rocks before and/or

after seeding.

     Successful no-till alfalfa establishment requires a number of precise

management procedures.  While no-till establishment has many advantages 

over conventional seedings, a higher level of MANagement (MAN is a key 

factor) is required than for conventional seedings. The MANager must pay

more attention to details for this technique to be successful.

     The most consistently successful method of no-tillage establishment 

of alfalfa has been late summer seedings into small grain stubble, 

particularly barley stubble.  This method has been used in research trials 

and on-farm seedings with excellent results.  It allows a period of time 

for moisture conservation since there is not an actively growing crop on 

the field once the small grain is harvested.  Also, moisture is not being 

lost due to tillage operations as would be the case with conventional seedings.

Weeds are generally much less of a problem with late summer seedings than

with spring seedings.

     No-till alfalfa seedings can be made in the spring but stand failures

are much more likely than when seeding into small grain stubble in late 

summer.  Severe weed competition is almost always a problem with spring 

no-till seedings; this is especially true for summer annual grasses. 

Herbicides for weed control in seedling alfalfa generally provide only 

partial control.  Excessive competition from weeds in spring no-till 

seedings can drastically reduce forage quality during the seeding year, 

but even more importantly, plant population, stand vigor, and stand

longevity can be reduced.

     We generally do not recommend no-till seeding of pure stands of alfalfa 

into permanent grasslands, including old pasture sods.  In most cases, fields 

that have been in permanent grass tend to be the poorer fields on the farm.

They may have shallow soils or they may be poorly drained, and the pH and

fertility are frequently low. 

 These conditions are not conducive to highly productive alfalfa.  Weeds 

can be a particularly difficult problem in older grass sods. 

When the grass is killed or suppressed by a herbicide, there is frequently

a flush of weed growth later on that severely competes with the alfalfa 

seedlings.  A much better procedure would be to plant no-till corn into the

sod and seed a small grain after the corn is harvested. Alfalfa could then

be no-tilled into the small grain stubble as will be outlined later.

     If you desire to establish a legume hay crop in grass sod, consider

seeding red clover rather than alfalfa.  Red clover is much better adapted

to these conditions.

     Seeding into the small grain stubble allows a full grain crop during 

the seeding year for alfalfa.  Grain seeding rates do not have to be reduced 

as is recommended when alfalfa is seeded with spring grain.  Late summer 

seedings of alfalfa provide full production the following year.  The stubble

reduces soil erosion and provides protection for the young, tender alfalfa

seedlings from direct intense sunlight and possible damage from blowing 

sand or soil particles.

  The following list of guidelines should help in planning your no-tillage 

alfalfa establishment program.

Guideline 1.  Plan Ahead

     Preparations for seeding need to begin as much as 2 years prior to 

the actual seeding.  Since alfalfa requires well-drained soil, high pH 

(6.5 to 7.0), and high soil fertility, selection of fields to be seeded 

should be given careful consideration. Select the most productive fields

on the farm.  The better the soil conditions, the greater the potential 

for highly productive stands. Lime and fertilizer must be applied 1 to 

2 years earlier in the rotation when the soil is tilled or long enough 

in advance to allow movement into the soil when surface applied.

     Where broadleaf weeds are present, they need to be eliminated before 

seeding either through tillage or herbicide application.  Residual herbicides

from previous crops must also be considered in this planning.  

Problems of triazine carryover can be encountered with alfalfa following 

corn, particularly in fields that have been in 2 or more years of no-till 

corn.  It may be necessary to reduce triazine herbicide rates in the final

year of corn or to switch to shorter residual herbicides such as Bladex, 

Dual and Lasso. Lime should be applied prior to the last year of corn.  

In a rotation of 2 or more years of no-till corn followed by no-till small

grain and no-till alfalfa, application of lime prior to the last year of 

corn releases triazine herbicides bound in the acidic layer while the field 

is still in corn. Delaying the lime application until immediately prior to

seeding the alfalfa can result in triazine toxicity to the alfalfa 

and stand failure.

     Many of the newer herbicides recently labeled for use in corn 

(e.g. Accent and Beacon) and soybeans (e.g. Classic, Gemini, Pursuit,

and Scepter) carry very severe rotational restrictions.  If any of these 

materials have been used, please consult the label prior to planting 

alfalfa.

Guideline 2.  Determine Soil Nutrient Levels - Soil Test

     Analysis of a representative soil sample is the best method by which

existing soil nutrient levels and fertilizer recommendations can be 

determined.  Soil pH and existing levels of nutrients can be used with the

history of a field to develop a sound fertility program.  A shortage of 

one nutrient results in poor utilization of other nutrients and generally 

results in substantial yield loss.  On the other hand, using more of any 

nutrient than is necessary is not only inefficient but is a waste of money.

     Soil samples should be taken to a 2-inch depth and indicated on the soil

test questionnaire as a no-till alfalfa seeding.  The O to 2-inch sample 

is a must for fields that have been in no-till corn and will not be plowed

following the last year of corn. Surface applications of nitrogen fertilizers 

to the corn frequently result in this layer being quite acidic.  

Since alfalfa is a deep-rooted perennial, a second sample of the normal 

plow layer should also be taken.  Samples may be submitted to the 

University of Maryland Soil Testing Laboratory.  Information and mailing

materials can be obtained from local county extension offices.

Guideline 3.  Apply Lime and Fertilizer

     Alfalfa is no different than other crops in that productive stands 

and high yields are obtained only when the crop is adequately limed and 

fertilized.  Alfalfa requires plentiful supplies of readily available 

calcium (lime), phosphorus and potassium.  The pH should be in the range 

6.8 to 7.0 at the time of seeding.  Because high pH and good fertility 

levels cannot be realized on some soils immediately with surface application 

of lime and fertilizer, these materials should be applied at least 6 to 12

months ahead of seeding for best results.

     Lime corrects soil acidity and supplies calcium (or calcium and 

magnesium, depending upon the material).  It not only increases the 

availability of practically all essential plant nutrients but promotes 

the growth of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and reduces the toxic effects of 

aluminum and manganese.

     Phosphorus is especially critical for young seedlings.  A readily 

available supply of phosphorus within reach of the young seedling is 

essential for normal root development and seedling establishment.  

Application of 20 to 30 pounds of P205 per acre in the row at seeding is 

frequently beneficial on soils testing medium or low in P205.

     The demand for potassium by young seedlings is relatively low.  

It is much more important once stands are established and high levels

are essential for maintaining productive long-lived stands.  

High yielding alfalfa stands may remove in excess of 500 lbs K20 per acre

per year and must be replaced each year if productive stands are to be

maintained.
Guideline 4.  Select High Yielding, Persistent Varieties

     There are many varieties available to choose from.  No one variety is

necessarily superior to all others.  It is advisable to have stands of 

several different varieties on your farm. Varieties with different 

parentages and different levels of resistance or tolerance to insects and

diseases may react differently to particular insect or disease problems.  

Thus not all of your alfalfa should be affected the same way under any 

given condition.

     There are no hard-and-fast rules for selection of varieties.  

They should produce high yields, have sufficient winterhardiness and be 

resistant to diseases and insects that are problems in the area of 

production.  The diseases of primary importance in Maryland are 

anthracnose, Phytophthora root rot and bacterial wilt. Consideration 

should also be given to Verticillium wilt resistance, especially in the 

northern counties.

     High quality seed is essential for good alfalfa stands.  Certified 

seed should be used to insure varietal purity and high seed quality.

     University of Maryland variety performance data along with other 

sources of information can be helpful to you when selecting varieties.

Guideline 5.  Apply Herbicide to Eliminate Competition

     Good weed control is essential for successful no-till alfalfa seedings.  

It is important that all existing vegetation be eliminated so that it will 

not be using soil moisture that should be conserved for the new seeding 

nor be competitive with the young seedlings during establishment.  

This is in contrast to no-till pasture renovation where it is sometimes 

desirable to retain at least part of the existing vegetation.

     Barley stubble has advantages over wheat or oat stubble because the 

earlier harvest for barley allows more time for weed control and moisture 

conservation as well as earlier seeding of alfalfa.  Following harvest of 

barley, allow time for as many weed seeds to germinate as practical so 

that maximum weed kill will be accomplished. This will generally be 2 to 3

weeks following grain harvest.  Then apply 1.0 to 1.5 pints of Gramoxone 

Extra (0.31 to 0.47 lb ai/Aparaquat), depending upon type and amount of 

vegetation present, in 20 to 60 gallons of water per acre. Always use a 

surfactant as specified by the label.
  
     A second application of 1.0 to 1.5 pints of Gramoxone Extra is made 

at the time of seeding to eliminate weeds that have developed since the 

first  application.  The length of time between the two herbicide 

applications should be at least 2 weeks and may be as long as 5 weeks.

     If weeds are not present it may not be necessary to make one of the 

Gramoxone Extra applications.  If a dry period has existed for several 

weeks and the history of the field would indicate that there is likely to

 be a significant amount of ungerminated weed seeds on the soil surface, 

delay seeding the alfalfa until after rain.  Weeds should be allowed to 

germinate and then killed with an application of herbicide.  If the soil 

is dry when the first application is made and no rain occurs to germinate 

the surface weeds, no-tilling alfalfa into the dry soil can be disastrous. 

Weeds such as chickweed and henbit will germinate with the alfalfa as soon

as it rains.  The chances for success are greatly increased when the weeds

are allowed to germinate and then are killed when the alfalfa is seeded.

     No-till seedings into oat stubble will generally not allow sufficient

time for two herbicide applications, particularly in western Maryland.  

In this case it is especially desirable to follow a good weed control 

program in the small grain, followed by a single application of 2 to 3 

pints of Gramoxone Extra at the time of seeding alfalfa.

     If perennial broadleaf weeds or perennial grasses such as quackgrass

are present, glyphosate (Round-up + others) should be used rather than 

Gramoxone Extra.  Glyphosate is a non-selective translocated herbicide and

will control many annual and perennial grasses and broadleaf weeds plus 

many tree and woody brush species.  However, application must be made when

the target weeds are at the correct stage of growth for most effective 

control.  Thus seeding should be timed accordingly.  Apply 1 to 2 quarts 

(1 to 2 lb ai) in 20 to 60 gallons of water per acre.  Rate may need to be

increased to 5 quarts, depending upon weeds to be controlled.  Seeding 

should be delayed at least 7 days after application to allow proper 

translocation into underground plant parts and to reduce competition to

the emerging alfalfa seedlings.

Guideline 6.  Inoculate Seed

     New innovations in legume seed inoculation have been developed in 

recent years. These innovations have advantages over the commonly used 

methods (water, milk, colas, etc.), especially under adverse conditions 

for rhizobial survival.  Since soft drinks are acidic, they can be 

detrimental to the rhizobia.  Successful legume inoculation under adverse 

conditions generally depends upon coating large amounts of inoculant on 

the seed, keeping it there until the seed is in the ground, and ensuring 

survival of the rhizobia in the soil until the young seedlings are infected.

     Some of the inoculation products on the market contain two separate 

packages of materials; a sticker supplement and the inoculant powder.  

The sticker supplement is used to bind the humus inoculant to the seed.  

It has been estimated that some of these new techniques coat each seed 

with up to 12 times more rhizobia than are coated by conventional methods.  

The sticker supplement also provides some nutrients which help the 

rhizobia survive in the soil. 

     If you don't wish to buy a commercial sticker, sugar water and 

cornstarch have proven to be effective in research trials.  Use at least 

two cups of sugar per quart of water, thoroughly moisten the seed, and 

then add 16 ounces of inoculum per 20 pounds of seed.  This is much more

inoculum than most growers are accustomed to applying, but remember that 

the purpose is to increase the number of rhizobia per seed so that enough 

will survive for effective nodulation even under adverse conditions. 

With more favorable seeding conditions and good soil moisture in the 

seedbed, the amount of inoculum could be reduced.  The cornstarch is 

added after thoroughly mixing the inoculant with the seed.  The purpose 

of the cornstarch is primarily to dry the seed so that it does not clump.

  Thus, seeding can begin immediately.  The cornstarch also provides some 

nutrients for the rhizobia.

     Inoculants should be stored in a refrigerator from time of purchase

to time of use.  The seed dealer should also have stored the inoculant in 

a refrigerator or cooler.  If the dealer has the inoculant stored on a 

windowsill, next to a  heater or other warm locations, purchase your

inoculant elsewhere.  The rhizobia bacteria are living organisms that can 

be killed at high temperature.  Also, ALWAYS CHECK THE EXPIRATION DATE BEFORE PURCHASING
ANY INOCULANT MATERIALS OR ANY PRE-INOCULATED SEED. Do not purchase
out-of-date inoculant.

     Regardless of the inoculation technique that is used, a little extra 

time and expense to do the job right will save time and money in the long 

run, especially if the crop does not nodulate and either must be reseeded 

or have nitrogen fertilizer applied in order to get satisfactory yields.  

More rhizobia in the area of the developing root means more nodules and 

thus more nitrogen fixed.

Guideline 7.  Properly Adjust Seeding Equipment

     Use the same seeding rate as would be used for conventional seedings.

A rate of 15 to 18 lb/acre will provide excellent stands if properly 

seeded.  Adjustment and operation of a no-till drill is affected by type 

of mulch or cover, terrain, type of soil, and soil moisture conditions in

which it will be operating.  Satisfactory seedings require proper metering

and uniform seed placement.  Depth of seed placement will vary with the 

type of mulch or cover, type of soil, and soil moisture conditions.  

The key is to provide good seed/soil contact without placing the seed

too deep.  Where conditions are good, a depth of less than 0.25-inch is 

preferred. However, this is seldom the case and seedings are usually 

deeper (0.5 to l-inch) than normally recommended with conventionally 

prepared seedbeds.  In general, the heavier the soil and the higher the

moisture content, the shallower the seed should be placed. In contrast, 

the lighter the soil and the lower the soil moisture, the deeper the seed

should be placed.

     No-till drills should be heavy enough to ensure proper penetration of

the soil or be designed for the addition of supplemental weight.  

They should also have sufficient durability for no-till operating 

conditions.  Desirable drill features include:  l) rolling coulters to 

aid in cutting through existing mulch covers (plain, notched, or ripple

coulters will cut and penetrate better than wide 1 to 2-inch fluted 

coulters), 2) double disc seed furrow openers that line up precisely

with cutting coulters for proper seed placement in the soil, 3) depth 

bands, wheels or other methods of controlling the depth of each seeding 

unit, and 4) a press wheel following each seeding unit to firm the soil 

around the seed.  Narrow press wheels, no wider than l-inch are preferred 

unless the press wheels have a narrow center ridge running in the slit 

left by the double disc openers.  The press wheel increases in importance 

as soil texture increases and soil moisture decreases.  Where soils are 

heavy and soil moisture is high the use of a press wheel can actually be 

detrimental.  In these cases it may be desirable to leave the seed furrow 

open to allow the seed to germinate and grow.  If the slit is closed with 

a press wheel the seed may be covered too deeply and be unable to emerge.

Guideline 8.  Seed at the Proper Time

     Seeding should be timed with rainfall so that adequate soil moisture 

is available at the time of seeding.  For the mountains of western Maryland, 

alfalfa should be seeded between August 1 and September 1 as soil moisture

permits.  For central and southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore the dates 

are approximately August 10 to September 10.  If soil moisture is favorable 

for seeding during the early parts of these periods, early seedings are 

generally more vigorous and become better established before winter.  

Seedings made after the cut-off dates are more subject to winter injury 

and possible winterkilling since the plants do not have as much time to 

develop and become established.

     Application of 15 to 20 lb N per acre often results in increased 

seedling vigor and better stands.  Response to nitrogen will depend upon 

the history of the field. The greatest response will obviously be where 

residual soil nitrogen levels are low. If the drill is equipped with a

fertilizer hopper, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers can be mixed and 

applied in the row at seeding.  The rate should not exceed 30 lb N per 

acre.  Higher rates can have a depressing effect on nodulation as well as

result in injury to the seedlings.

Guideline 9.  Management During Establishment

     Even though the plants may make considerable growth during the late 

summer and fall period, they should not be cut or grazed.  Clipping or 

grazing seedling stands weakens the plants and results in greater 

susceptibility to winterkilling.  New seedings should be protected

from undue competition of weeds.  Timely clipping of weeds at a level 

above the alfalfa or application of herbicides may be needed to ensure 

seedling survival (consult a current edition of EB237, Pest Management 

Recommendations for Field Crops, for a listing of herbicides labeled in 

your area).  The new seeding should be monitored for insect and disease 

problems at least weekly for the first 6 to 8 weeks after seeding.  

If insects are damaging the seedlings, insecticide application may be 

necessary.

Special Considerations

     With the advent of no-till drills, many farmers became interested in 

trying to rejuvenate old alfalfa stands by no-till reseeding.  This practice 

is not recommended.  Attempts to improve poor stands that are 4, 5 or more

years old generally fail due to a build-up of disease organisms, insects, 

etc.  Rather than attempting to rejuvenate declining stands, take advantage

of the nitrogen provided by alfalfa and rotate to corn.  If small grain 

follows the corn, alfalfa can then be no-till seeded into the small grain 

stubble as outlined.  For best results the field should be out of alfalfa

for at least 2 years.  Crop rotation aids in breaking disease and insect

cycles as well as providing more opportunities and alternatives for weed 

control.

SUMMARY -- Manage, Manage, Manage

     There are no shortcuts and no substitutes for good management.  

Poor management before and/or after a no-till seeding can result in wasted

effort.  The nine guidelines listed should provide useful guidance for 

successful no-tillage establishment of alfalfa.  Part of the time saved

by no-tillage practices might be used to plan proper stand management for 

the future.

     Prepared by:  Dr.Lester R.Vough, Forage Crops Extension Specialist
                  Morris Decker, Professor Emeritus 
                  Ronald L. Ritter, Extension Weed Control Specialist
                  Arvydas P. Grybauskas, Extension Plant Pathologist