Alfafa is excellent for swine, alfalfa is also used for sheep and cattle; mixed stands reduce the hazard of bloat, but even such pasturage is best supplemented with grain rations for improved stock energy. Rotational grazing of alfalfa pastures is best.
The root can be extensive, developing a thick taproot that penetrates the soil 23 feet or more. Alfalfa develops a crown at or near the surface. of the soil from which grow five to 25 or stems; as stems mature or are cut, more grow from the crown.
The quality of the hay ultimately depends on the stage at which it is cut, and the type of curing it receives.
Hay of a good green color and a large leaf content, cured without wetting, has the highest feeding value. Generally, the earlier hay is cut, the higher its protein and vitamin content, the lower its fiber content, and the greater its digestibility.
However, continuous cutting at bud or prebud stage will severely reduce the tonnage per acre and prematurely kill the stand by reducing the food reserves in the roots. One cutting per year may be made at prebloom stage without damaging the stand if done early in the year.
Potassium and phosphorus may also be necessary, since alfalfa needs these for a good yield. Alfalfa does well on dry soils if irrigated. For best results, alfalfa seeds should be inoculated with rhizome bacteria before planting.
Alfalfa makes an excellent green manure crop as well, returning additional nitrogen to the soil as it decomposes - often as much as 100 pounds per acre. In addition, it averages 2 to 3 percent potash, often returning 75 pounds or more potash to the soil as it decomposes, depending on crop yield.
Alfalfa is also excellent pasture. When grazed, it is usually mixed with timothy, orchard grass or smooth brome grass.
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