This comprehensive guide for western alfalfa growers brings together the most current information and recommendations in nearly all areas of alfalfa management, including stand establishment, fertilization, irrigation, pest management, and harvesting

[A publication designed to provide detailed, scientifically-based comprehensive information about the growth, production, management, and utilization of alfalfa grown under irrigation].

Learn how to achieve top yields to maximize profits. This 2011 edition offers the latest information and strategies for alfalfa establishment, production, and harvest. Includes many color photos and charts.

Alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica Gyllenhal) is a pest of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Insecticides are the primary method of weevil control but with increasing insecticide resistance, alternative non-chemical methods are critical for future management. Multiple studies were conducted to explore two alternative methods: early harvest and biological control. Early harvest is a mechanical method of control where recommendations are vague and previous work is insufficient for improving recommendations. One study based in Wyoming and one spanning multiple states in the Intermountain West was conducted to 1) evaluate how early harvest compares to insecticides and 2) impacts both alfalfa weevil populations and their natural enemies. Biocontrol is another promising alternative method of alfalfa weevil control. Bathyplectes curculionis (Thomson) is an imported European parasitoid that is commonly collected in the Intermountain West but does not adequately manage weevils. It remains largely unknown why B. curculionis is not more successful, but they are documented to host both native and introduced hyperparasitoids. Hyperparasitoids potentially impact B. curculionis survivorship, but this remains largely understudied. Through sampling efforts across the Intermountain West, we quantified hyperparasitoid parasitism in the region within alfalfa-alfalfa weevil systems and explored the interaction between B. curculionis and hyperparasitoids. Through our efforts, we determined early harvest is an effective method of weevil control comparable to insecticide use. Multiple hyperparasitoid species were found consistently across the region but their impact on B. curculionis biocontrol remains unclear. This combined early harvest and biocontrol work will support IPM recommendations to growers and increase alfalfa production sustainability.

Resistance to pyrethroid insecticides has been identified in alfalfa weevil populations in Montana and Wyoming, with suspected insecticide resistance situations in Utah. The best strategy for delaying and combating resistance is integrated pest management, which relies on a solid pest monitoring program.

A vigorously growing, dense stand of alfalfa forms the basis for profitable forage production, but it depends on high yields. Land, machinery, & most other operating costs stay the same whether harvesting 3 tons/acre or 6 tons/acre. Top yields in the U.S. have approached 10 tons/acre while average yields are around 3 tons/acre. This book describes what it takes to move from a 3-ton yield to 6 or 9 tons/acre. Chapters: select a field carefully; test soil before planting; select a good variety; planting; fertilize annually; management of manure, weeds, disease, & insects; when to rotate from alfalfa; forage quality; & management of harvest, fall, & hay. Illustrated.