Description

Alfalfa, also known as lucerne, is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family. It typically grows up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) in height and has a deep root system that can extend more than 15 meters (49 feet) to access groundwater. The plant has trifoliate leaves with obovate leaflets and clusters of small purple flowers. It is highly valued for its nutritional content and is widely cultivated as forage for livestock. Alfalfa thrives in well-drained soils with a neutral pH and requires full sun for optimal growth. It is drought-tolerant due to its extensive root system and can improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.

✂️🫘 **Methods to Propagate:**
Alfalfa is commonly propagated through seeds. The seeds should be inoculated with Rhizobium bacteria to ensure effective nitrogen fixation. Sowing is typically done in the spring or fall, depending on the climate, at a depth of about 1 centimeter (0.4 inches). A firm seedbed and adequate soil moisture are essential for successful germination.

🌞💧 **Sun and Water Requirements:**
Alfalfa requires full sun exposure to thrive. It prefers well-drained soils and is tolerant of drought conditions once established, thanks to its deep root system. However, during establishment, consistent moisture is crucial to ensure proper root development.

🧑‍🌾👩‍🌾 **When to Harvest:**
The optimal time to harvest alfalfa is at the early bloom stage, which balances yield and nutritional quality. Multiple cuttings can be made throughout the growing season, typically every 28 to 35 days, depending on growth conditions.

Purpose

- **Edible:** Alfalfa sprouts are consumed by humans in salads and sandwiches, providing vitamins and minerals.
- **Nitrogen Fixer:** Through symbiosis with Rhizobium bacteria, alfalfa enriches soil nitrogen content, benefiting subsequent crops.
- **Animal Fodder:** It serves as high-quality forage for livestock, offering high protein content and digestibility.
- **Soil Improvement:** The deep root system enhances soil structure and organic matter content.
- **Erosion Control:** Its extensive roots help stabilize soil, preventing erosion.
- **Pollinator:** The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.