Source: University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service

Alfalfa loves potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) and growers will soon need to apply both to keep that legume stand going, says Dirk Philipp, agronomist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

“The alfalfa crop removes both elements at relatively high rates compared with other nutrients,” he says. 

The legume can remove P at the rate of 15 pounds per ton and K at a rate of 60 pounds per ton.

“The first cutting of alfalfa isn’t far off,” he says. “And fertilizer should be applied after the first and third cutting of alfalfa.”

P is important for alfalfa for root development and stand establishment. K is important to maintain yields, reduce disease susceptibility and increase winter hardiness. K is also critical for water-use efficiency, nitrogen fixing and photosynthesis. 

However, ensuring alfalfa has these nutrients means more than just putting these elements into the soil. The plant’s ability to take up P can be affected by soil pH — both high and low values can impair the plant’s ability to take up the element. Low soil temperatures, poorly aerated soils and soil compaction can also limit P uptake.

Factors impairing K uptake include compaction, cooler soil temperatures and the presence of large amounts of cations such as magnesium, calcium and sodium. 

Micronutrient needs

Alfalfa does not live on K and P alone and also needs boron and copper as micronutrients in small quantities.

“Unlike K and P, boron and copper can’t be applied in advance to be stored in the soil, but need to be applied on an as-needed basis,” says Philipp. 

The availability of those micronutrients can be reduced if the soil has a pH higher than 7. 

“So applying more lime than needed is not recommended.”

Philipp says soil tests don’t always tell the whole story with alfalfa though and recommends plant tissue testing.

Recommendations include:

  • Making sure to select well-drained sites before newly establishing alfalfa.
  • In existing stands, keep records of soil fertility and pH.
  • Don’t just apply the immediate amounts of P and K needed, consult with extension personnel on how to build up enough P and K long-term to ensure high yields.
  • Nutrient deficiencies show up in the plant — such as discolored leaves — when it is too late. Stay ahead of the fertilizer game.

 For more information about livestock production, visit www.uaex.edu, contact your county extension office or visit www.Arkansaslivestock.com.