General Information
An introduction to alfalfa production systems in California.
Irrigated Alfalfa Management for Mediterranean and Desert Zones Website
Daniel H. Putnam, Charles G. Summers, Steve B. Orloff | 2008
The California Alfalfa and Forage Association (CAFA) Website
History, Importance, and Production Dynamics of Alfalfa in California
Daniel H. Putnam
Alfalfa Educational Fact Sheet
CAFA | 2004
Alfalfa Production Systems in California
Daniel H. Putnam, Charles G. Summers, Steve B. Orloff | 2008
Intermountain Alfalfa Management
Steve B. Orloff, Harry L. Carlson
Stand Establishment
Start by choosing a site for your alfalfa stand. Monitor the growth and development of your new stand. Time spent planning and preparing for stand establishment pays off.
Choosing Appropriate Sites for Alfalfa Production
Steve B. Orloff | 2008
Alfalfa Growth and Development
Shannon C. Mueller, Larry R. Teuber | 2008
Alfalfa Stand Establishment
Shannon C. Mueller, Carol A. Frate, Marsha Campbell Mathews | 2008
Key Practices for Alfalfa Stand Establishment
Daniel H. Putnam | 2012
Small Grains Seedbed Preparation and Residue Management
Kent L. Brittan | 2012
Old Stand Management
Learn about how to manage your old stands with removal, crop rotation, and overseeding. Overseeding another forage species into a depleted alfalfa stand can extend stand life and improve yield.
Overseeding & Companion Cropping in Alfalfa
Managing Older or Depleted Alfalfa Stands
Mick Canevari, Daniel H. Putnam | 2008
Overseeding And Management Of Older Alfalfa Stands
Rachael Long, Mick Canevari, Daniel H. Putnam | 2003
Overseeding as a pest management tool in alfalfa in the Sacramento Valley
Rachael Long, Barbara Reed, Daniel H. Putnam
Overseeding Orchardgrass Into Alfalfa
Jim Morris | 1998
Strategies For Extending The Life Of An Alfalfa Stand Using Overseedings
Mick Canevari, Daniel H. Putnam, Rachael Long, Steve B. Orloff, Barbara Reed | 1996
Management of Depleted Alfalfa Stands
Steve B. Orloff
Variety Selection
Learn how to select the appropriate variety of alfalfa for your location and pests.
UCD Alfalfa Variety Selection Website
Variety Trail Data by Location and Annual Agronomy Progress Reports (APRS)
North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference Website
Virtual Alfalfa Research Center Website
VARC highlights important genetics and breeding resources for alfalfa scientists around the world
Variety Selection - Choosing the Best for Your Field
C.A. Frate, S.C. Mueller, S.B. Orloff, D.H. Putnam | 2012
The Genetics of Corn Varieties
J.G. Lauer | 2011
Choosing an Alfalfa Variety
Daniel H. Putnam, Steve B. Orloff, Larry R. Teuber | 2008
2008 Winter Survival, Fall Dormancy & Pest Resistance Ratings for Alfalfa Varieties Leaflet
NAFA | 2008
2011 Winter Survival, Fall Dormancy & Pest Resistance Ratings for Alfalfa Varieties Leaflet
NAFA | 2011
Using Varieties or Cutting Schedules to Achieve Quality Hay - What are the Tradeoffs?
Daniel H. Putnam, Steve B. Orloff | 2003
Irrigation
Learn how to use soil moisture blocks for monitoring soil moisture in alfalfa or pasture.
Irrigating Alfalfa in Arid Regions
Blaine R. Hanson, Khaled M. Bali, Blake L. Sanden | 2008Utilizing Soil-Moisture Monitoring to Improve Alfalfa and Pasture Irrigation Management
Steve Orloff, Daniel H. Putnam, Blane Hanson | 2003Soil-Moisture Monitoring: A Simple Method to Improve Alfalfa and Pasture Irrigation Management
Steve Orloff, Daniel H. Putnam, Blane Hanson | 2001Getting the Most From Center Pivots
Guy Fipps | 1998Irrigation Scheduling of Alfalfa Using Evapotranspiration
Richard L. Snyder, Khaled M. Bali | 2008
Flood vs. Pivot Irrigation for Forage Crops: What are the Advantages and Disadvantages?
Paul W. Brown | 2008
- How Much Water Does Alfalfa Really Need?
Blaine Hanson, Khaled Bali, Steve Orloff, Blake Sanden, Dan Putnam | 2008 Forage Production Strategies with Limited Water Supplies
Blake L. Sanden, Daniel H. Putnam, Blaine R. Hanson | 2007Subsurface Drip and Furrow Irrigation Comparison with Alfalfa in the Imperial Valley
R.B. Hutmacher et al. | 2001Soil Fertility
- Learn about alfalfa fertilization and soil testing.
Alfalfa Fertilization Strategies
Roland D. Meyer, Daniel B. Marcum, Steve B. Orloff, Jerry L. Schmierer | 2008Maximizing Fertilizer Efficiency Through Tissue Testing and Improved Application Methods
Steve Orloff, Dan Putnam and Rob Wilson | 2008- What in the World? A Global Fertilizer Perspective
Robert Mikkelsen | 2008 Using Dairy Manure as a Nitrogen Fertilizer for Forage Crops
Marsha Campbell Mathews, David Crohn | 2008Soil Applied and Water Applied Phosphorous Application
M. J. Ottman, T. L. Thompson, M. T. Rogers, and S. A. White | 2000- How much fertilizer do I need? Soil testing and Alfalfa fertilization
Tim Hays | 1998 Weed Management
- Learn how to manage weeds in alfalfa.
Integrated Weed Management in Seedling Alfalfa
UC IPM | 2024
Integrated Weed Management in Established Alfalfa
CalHay
Herbicide-Tolerant Varieties as a Weed Management Strategy
UC IPM | 2017
Preventing Weed Resistance And Weed Shifts
UC IPM | 2017
Weed Management in Alfalfa
Mick Canevari, Ron N. Vargas, Steve B. Orloff | 2008Avoiding Weed Shifts and Weed Resistance in Roundup Ready Alfalfa Systems
Steve B. Orloff, Daniel H. Putnam, Mick Canevari, W. Thomas Lanini | 2008Plant Poisonings in Livestock
Birgit Puschner | 2008Weed Management Options for Alfalfa in Ground Water Protection Areas
Ron Vargas | 2005Integrated Pest Management in Forage Alfalfa
Charles G. Summers | 1998Livestock-Poisoning Plants of California
Larry Forero, Glenn Nader, Arthur Craigmill, Joseph M. Ditomaso, Birgit Puschner, John Maas | 2010Insect Management
- Learn how to manage insects in alfalfa.
Managing Insects in Alfalfa
Charles G. Summers, Larry D. Godfrey, Eric T. Natwick | 2008Integrated Pest Management in Forage Alfalfa
Charles G. Summers | 19982011 Winter Survival, Fall Dormancy & Pest Resistance Ratings for Alfalfa Varieties Leaflet
NAFA | 2011Spring Stubble Application in Alfalfa for Season Long Management of Threecornered Alfalfa Tree Hopper, Spissistilus festinus
Vonny M. Barlow | 2010Management of Egyptian Alfalfa Weevil and Protection of Yields with Selected Insecticides
Larry Godfrey, Daniel Putnam | 2002Preventing the Off-Site Movement of Pesticides in Alfalfa
Daniel H. Putnam | 2001Vertebrate Pest Management
- Learn how to manage vertebrate pests in alfalfa.
Integrated Management of Vertebrate Pests in Alfalfa
Desley A. Whisson, Terrell P. Salmon | 2008Controlling Vertebrate Pests in Alfalfa
Duane L. Schnabel | 2005Vertebrate Pest Control in Alfalfa Hay
Desley A. Whisson | 1997Integrated Pest Management in Forage Alfalfa
Charles G. Summers | 1998Meadow Voles and Pocket Gophers: Management in Lawns, Gardens, and Cropland
D. Gunn, R. Hirnyck, G. Shewmaker, S. Takatori, L. EllisDiseases
- Learn how to manage diseases in alfalfa.
- How to Manage Pests in Alfalfa
UC IPM - Air Pollution
UC IPM - Bacterial Wilt
UC IPM - How to Manage Sclerotinia Stem & Crown Rot (White Mold)
UC IPM Alfalfa Diseases and Management
Carol A. Frate, R. Michael Davis | 20082008 Winter Survival, Fall Dormancy & Pest Resistance Ratings for Alfalfa Varieties Leaflet
NAFA | 2008Integrated Pest Management in Forage Alfalfa
Charles G. Summers | 1998Nematodes
- Learn how to deal with parasitic nematodes in alfalfa.
- How to Manage Alfalfa Nematodes
UC IPM - Nematode Management Guidelines
UC IPM Parasitic Nematodes in Alfalfa
Becky B. Westerdahl, Carol A. Frate | 2008Alfalfa Nematodes in Idaho
Saad L. Hafez | 1998Alfalfa Nematodes: What Can Be Done?
Becky B. Westerdahl | 2008Press Release: Sudden Outbreak of Alfalfa Stem Nematode Tackled by UC Cooperative Extension
UCANR News | 2009Integrated Pest Management in Forage Alfalfa
Charles G. Summers | 19982008 Winter Survival, Fall Dormancy & Pest Resistance Ratings for Alfalfa Varieties Leaflet
NAFA | 2008Diagnostic Key
- Use this key to identify possible pests and diseases in alfalfa.
- Diagnostic Key to Problems in Alfalfa
Charles G. Summers | 2008 - Diagnosing Field Problems
Mick Canevari | 1993 Harvest Management
- Learn how to make important harvest management decisions for your alfalfa crop. Harvest timing and cutting schedules have a profound influence on nutritional quality, forage yield, stand life, and overall profitability.
- Harvest Strategies for Alfalfa
Steve B. Orloff, Daniel H. Putnam - Harvest: Curing Preservation, and Storage
Steve B. Orloff, Shannon C. Mueller - Cutting Schedule Strategies to Maximize Returns
Steve B. Orloff, Daniel H. Putnam | 2006 - Using Varieties or Cutting Schedules to Achieve Quality Hay - What are the Tradeoffs?
Daniel H. Putnam, Steve B. Orloff | 2003 - Battle of the Balers: Mid-Sized Bales
Dennis Dunlea | 1998 - The Crusher: Effect of Harvest Technique on Alfalfa Drying Time
Ivan J. Cook | 1998 - Battle of the Balers: Small Bales
John Bennett | 1998 Forage Quality and Testing
- Test to ensure you are producing high quality forage. An article in Hay & Forage Grower Magazine describes common abuses of the hay testing process (see articles below).
- National Forage Testing Association Website
- Hay Sampling Certification Exam
- Forage Quality and Testing
Daniel H. Putnam, Peter Robinson, Ed DePeters | 2008 - Alfalfa Utilization by Livestock
Gerald E. Higginbotham, Carolyn L. Stull, Nyles G. Peterson, Anne V. Rodiek, Barbara A. Reed, Juan N. Guerrero | 2008 - Understanding Forage Quality
NFTA | 2001 - The Future of Alfalfa Forage Quality Testing in Hay Markets
Daniel H. Putnam, Dan Undersander | 2006 - Forage Quality Testing and Markets: Where are we Going?
Daniel H. Putnam | 2004 - Don't abuse that hay test!
Daniel H. Putnam | 2012 - Evaluating Hay for Horses: Myths and Realities
Laurie Lawrence | 1998 - What are Dairy Nutritionists Looking for in Alfalfa Hay?
Peter H. Robinson | 1998 - Proper Sampling Methods Improve Accuracy of Lab Testing
Steve Orloff, Daniel H. Putnam | 1998 Economics and Marketing
- Learn about the economic value of alfalfa and see market summaries for alfalfa crops and other commodities.
- Hay Market News and Transportation Data Website
- Current Cost and Return Studies for California Commodities
- California Weekly Hay Report - USDA-AMS (United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Marketing Service)
- Alfalfa Marketing and Economics
Karen Klonsky, Barbara Reed, Daniel H. Putnam | 2008 - Coexistence for Organic Alfalfa Seed and Hay Markets
NAFA | 2008 - Coexistence for Alfalfa Hay Export Markets
NAFA | 2008 - Coexistence for Alfalfa Seed Export Markets (2008)
NAFA | 2008 - Issues With GMO Alfalfa in the Marketplace
William T. W. Woodward | 2004 - Annual Alfalfa Hay Cumulative California Market Summary
USDA-AMS | 2009 - Annual Alfalfa Hay Cumulative California Market Summary
USDA-AMS | 2008 Biotechnology and Roundup Ready Alfalfa
- Glyphosate-tolerant (GT) Alfalfa or Roundup-Ready Alfalfa (RRA) was approved for planting in the US in February, 2011. RRA is a genetically engineered variety of alfalfa, which can be used safely in combination with the herbicide 'glyphosate' (Roundup). RRA was originally deregulated and commercialized in 2005 but then a lawsuit in 2007 rescinded the deregulation, halting further plantings. The USDA-APHIS subsequently conducted an exhaustive Environmental Impact Statement from 2007-2011, and came to the conclusion that GT alfalfa did not present and direct or indirect plant pest risks. There are a range of varieties currently available for planting.Click here for a listing of UC alfalfa publications on biotechnology and related topics.
New Technology for Alfalfa
Mark McCaslin, Peter Reisen | 2012What are the Available Tools for Co-Existence of genetically engineered and non-genetically engineered Alfalfa?
Rod Christensen | 2011A Survey of Growers on GE Crops and Coexistence
Dan Putnam, Steve Orloff | 2011Roundup Ready Alfalfa, What Have we Learned to Date?
Dan Putnam, Steve Orloff | 2011Questions and Answers: Roundup Ready Alfalfa Deregulation
UCANR Publication | 2011Biotechnology 101: What You Need to Know in a Few Minutes
Peggy G. Lemaux | 2004Organic Alfalfa
- Learn about the costs and methods of producing organic alfalfa hay.
- Producing Alfalfa Hay Organically
Rachael F. Long, Roland D. Meyer, Steve B. Orloff | 2008 Environment
- Learn about the contributions of alfalfa to wildlife and the environment.
Year-Round IPM Program for Alfalfa
UC IPM | 2017Will the Public Recognize the Environmental Benefits of Alfalfa?
Daniel H. Putnam | 2004The Environmental Impacts of Nitrogen Fixation by Alfalfa
Michael Russelle | 2004Mitigating Water Quality Concerns: How the Alfalfa Industry Might Respond
Daniel H. Putnam | 2003Alfalfa, Wildlife, and the Environment: The Importance and Benefits of Alfalfa in the 21st Century
CAFA | 2001Manures and Alfalfa
- Learn about manures and integrating dairy manure water nutrient use with forage production in alfalfa.
- Lagoon Water, Manures and Biosolids Applied to Alfalfa
Ronald D. Meyer, Blake L. Sanden, Khaled M. Bali | 2008 - Happy Cows, Happy Environment: Its the Manure
Stuart Pettygrove, Alison Eagle | 2001 Seed Production
- Alfalfa seed produced throughout the world is primarily used for forage production. The following articles provide an overview of alfalfa seed production techniques in California.
- Alfalfa Seed Production in California
Shannon C. Mueller | 2008 - Best Management Practices for Roundup Ready Alfalfa Seed Production
NAFA | 2008 - Producing Quality Alfalfa Seed for the Forage Industry
Shannon C. Mueller | 2008 - Seed Production Issues For Genetically Enhanced Alfalfa
Shannon C. Mueller | 2004 Grass and Forages
- View grass and forage trial data.
Cool Season Perennial Grass Trial
Chris DeBen | 2006 - 2008TEF Yields as Influenced by N Rate
Chris DeBen | 2006 - 2008Ammonia Volatilization in Grass Forages
Richard E. Muk | 2011The Potential for Teff as an Alternative Forage Crop for Irrigated Regions
Jay Davison, Mike Laka, and Earl Creech | 2011Challenges and Benefits of Interseeding Legumes into Grass Dominated Stands
Joe Brummer, Glenn Shewmaker, and Chanda Engel | 2011Corn Silage
- Learn about techniques for managing corn silage.
Breeding and Managing the Ideal Corn Silage Hybird: A Retrospective and Direction for Progress
J.G. LauerOptimizing Agronomic Practices for Corn Silage
Jeremy GroetekeThe Art and Science of Making Silage
Richard E. MuckAnalyzing Silage Crops for Quality
Ralph WardSorghum Forage
- Learn about forage sorghum.
Advantages of Forage Sorghum for Silage in Limited Input Systems
Mark A. Marsalis | 2011Challenges and Benefits of Interseeding Legumes into Grass Dominated Stands
Joe Brummer, Glenn Shewmaker, and Chanda Engel | 2011The Potential For Teff as an Alternative Forage Crop for Irrigated Regions
Jay Davison, Mike Laca, Earl Creech | 2011- Ammonia Volatilization in Grass Forages
Richard E. Muck Important Articles
- Some articles that may be useful to check out. If you find these to be helpful, be sure to find more at the alfalfa blog!
- When is nitrogen fertilization of alfalfa beneficial? Almost never!
Rachael Freeman Long, Daniel H Putnam, Rollie Meyer | 2013 - Does Hydroponic Forage Production Make Sense?
Daniel H Putnam, Peter H. Robinson, Eric Lin | 2013