Agronomic requirements and seed sowing
- Soil and climate: Thrives in deep, well-drained loamy soils rich in calcium with a neutral pH (6.5 to 7.5); cannot tolerate waterlogging or acidic soils.
- Sowing window: Sown in autumn from October to November as a winter rabi crop in northern and central plains.
- Seed rate and inoculation: 15 to 20 kg seed per hectare; seeds must be inoculated with Rhizobium meliloti culture to establish nitrogen-fixing root nodules.
- Field preparation: Broadcast or line sown in shallow rows spaced 20 to 25 cm apart, followed by light irrigation.
Harvesting and cutting management
The first cutting is taken 50 to 60 days after sowing when plants reach the 10% flowering stage. Subsequent cuttings are harvested at 30 to 35 day intervals throughout spring and summer, yielding 6 to 8 cuttings annually. Always cut at 5 cm above ground level to allow crown buds to regenerate vigorously.
Dairy feeding guidelines and bloat prevention
Feed 10 to 15 kg of green lucerne mixed with dry roughage (wheat straw or dry grass) per adult cow daily. Never feed pure, dew-wet young lucerne on an empty stomach to ruminants, as lush saponins and proteins can cause acute frothy bloat (tympany).
Official source
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ICAR - Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
Why is Lucerne (Alfalfa) called the 'Queen of Forages'?
Because of its high crude protein content (18-22%), balanced minerals, excellent palatability, and multi-cut yield potential.
Why must alfalfa seed be inoculated with Rhizobium before sowing?
Inoculating with Rhizobium meliloti enables the roots to fix atmospheric nitrogen, enhancing plant growth and enriching soil fertility.
How can dairy farmers prevent bloat when feeding fresh lucerne?
Mix fresh lucerne with dry wheat straw or hay, and avoid feeding wet young green lucerne on an empty stomach.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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