Can you grow alfalfa in Arizona?

As with so many crops, Arizona and other western states can attribute much of the success of our quality alfalfa to plenty of sunny days and water. With the appropriate inputs, Arizona and California are known for getting as much as 8 to 10 cuttings from one alfalfa field in a year.

Is it profitable to grow alfalfa?

Alfalfa is a major profit center on most dairy farms. Annual yield has the largest impact on its profitability because inputs, including harvesting costs, change little as yield increases.

How much is an acre of alfalfa worth?

In this example, the standing value for the entire alfalfa field could range from $230 to $360/acre for the entire growing season. Keep in mind ownership costs can run $300- 400/acre when the seller considers lost rent, establishment costs and top-dress fertilizer to maintain soil fertility.

What is a good yield for alfalfa?

The average total yield is 20-35 tons per hectare (or 8-14 tons per acre) per year (distributed in 5-6 cuts). Top yields (intensive farming) can exceed 40 tons per hectare or 16 tons per acre per year. You can enrich this article by leaving a comment or photo of your alfalfa harvesting methods and yields.

How hard is it to plant alfalfa?

Since alfalfa roots quickly, it doesn’t require deep planting—only about a half inch (1 cm.) deep. Merely sprinkle the seeds evenly onto the soil and cover lightly with dirt. Use about ¼ pound of seeds per 25 square feet and space rows about 18 to 24 inches (46-61 cm.).

How hard is it to grow alfalfa?

Alfalfa does well on well-drained soil rather than wet, heavy clay soils and requires good soil pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.0. If your soil pH is lower than 6.5, symbiotic nitrogen fixation may not function properly. Thus, liming will be required to raise low soil pH to its optimum level and make better nutrient uptake.

How much does it cost to grow alfalfa per acre?

For this study, the cost is $721 per acre or $57,680 for the 80 acres. The alfalfa stand establishment cost is amortized over the 4-year stand life.

Why is alfalfa so expensive?

Alfalfa hay, in particular, has become more expensive. Because of greater pressure for land use, the amount of land devoted to alfalfa has declined by nearly 4 million acres since 1995. Not surprisingly, as alfalfa supplies have become tighter, its cost has risen by nearly 50 percent in the last 20 years.

How much does it cost to plant an acre of alfalfa?

For pure alfalfa stands, 18 to 20 pounds per acre should be planted. For mixed stands with grass, 15 to 16 pounds per acre is recommended. For broadcast seeding, seeding rates need to be increased by 10 to 20 percent. Weed control.

How do you maximize alfalfa yield?

Increase Alfalfa Yields

Potassium (K) Potassium is the major nutrient required by alfalfa.
Magnesium (Mg) High K rates can inhibit plant uptake of Mg, a nutrient that is central to photosynthesis.
Sulfur (S) Correcting a S-deficient soil has been shown to significantly increase alfalfa yields.

Does alfalfa need a lot of water?

Alfalfa is a high water use crop because it has a long growing season, a deep root system, and a dense mass of vegetation. Commonly cited ranges in water requirements for alfalfa are 18 to 36 inches of water per season. Alfalfa is quite tolerant of drought or extended periods without highly available water.

How much does it cost to plant 5 acres of alfalfa?

Alfalfa has to be planted at around 25 pounds per acre if I remember correctly. A 50 pound bag of seed is around $200 last I heard a few years back, so $100 an acre just for seed. Probably $120-150 per acre including tillage costs.

The grower will typically rotate out a portion (40 to 100 acres) of the alfalfa crop each year, produce a grain crop for 1 to 2 years, and then rotate back to alfafa. In this study, land is valued at $4,000 per acre. Establishment Operating Costs

Is it easy to grow alfalfa in a garden?

Alfalfa’s extensive root system nourishes both plants and soil. The alfalfa plant has been cultivated for generations and growing alfalfa in your garden is easy. Keep reading to learn more about how to grow alfalfa.

What should the alfalfa plant look like after harvest?

Harvesting Alfalfa Plant. Quality alfalfa hay should possess good green color and leafiness as well as a pleasant aroma and thin, pliable stems. Once harvested, the ground will need to be turned before next season’s planting takes place. Alfalfa has few pest problems; however, the alfalfa weevil can cause serious damage.

What should the pH level be for growing alfalfa?

In fact, too much moisture can lead to mold growth. When growing alfalfa, choose an area with plenty of full sun. Also look for a well-draining area with a soil pH level between 6.8 and 7.5. Prior to planting, you should clean the area, work the soil, and remove any debris. Pure alfalfa seed can be purchased from most feed supply stores.