Executive Summary & Operational Context
Lucerne (known as "Queen of Forages" or Rijka) is a premier perennial leguminous fodder crop delivering 20% to 22% crude protein, high calcium, and carotene, dramatically reducing cattle concentrate requirements during winter and summer.
Delivers 60 to 80 MT green fodder per acre annually across 10 to 12 cuttings, fixing atmospheric nitrogen naturally into the soil.
Why Lucerne is the Queen of Forages for Indian Dairy
Unlike grass fodders that provide mostly energy and fiber, Lucerne is a high-protein legume (20-22% CP) rich in digestible calcium (1.5%), phosphorus, and Vitamin A precursor beta-carotene. Feeding 10-15 kg of fresh green Lucerne daily provides all the natural calcium required to prevent milk fever in high-yielding cows, while replacing 1.5 kg of expensive protein cake.
Key Agronomic & Technical Guidelines:
- ✓High rumen-degradable and undegradable protein profile boosts milk synthesis
- ✓Deep taproot system (up to 3-5 meters) accesses deep subsoil moisture
- ✓Improves soil health by fixing up to 150 kg of atmospheric nitrogen per acre annually
Sowing Technique, Seed Treatment & Water Management
Sow in October-November in North/Central India or year-round under irrigation in South/Western India. Prepare flat seedbeds or shallow ridges spaced 30 cm apart. Inoculate seed with specific Rhizobium meliloti bacterial culture (250g per 10 kg seed) to guarantee root nodulation. Seed should be placed shallow (1.5 to 2 cm depth) into moist soil; deep sowing prevents emergence. Irrigate immediately after sowing and again on Day 4 (life-saving irrigation for seedling emergence). Lucerne is highly sensitive to water stagnation: ensure excellent field drainage.
How to Implement on Your Dairy Farm
Inoculate with Rhizobium Culture
Mix seeds with jaggery water and Rhizobium meliloti culture; dry in shade for 30 minutes before broadcasting.
Harvest at 10% Flowering
Take cuttings when approximately 10% of plants show purple flowers for the optimum balance of protein and yield.
Prevent Frothy Bloat
Never feed wet, dew-covered Lucerne on an empty stomach. Always feed dry straw first or wilt Lucerne for 2 hours.
Recommended Breeds for this System
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions: Lucerne (Alfalfa) Cultivation Guide: Sowing, Irrigation, Cutting & Crude Protein
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