Alfalfa Question

[Jbra]

I have a 2.5 acre alfalfa plot that receives a ton of deer browse. Deer keep it mowed down to 3" or so year round. What are your thoughts on no till drilling wheat into the alfalfa, will this work or should I try to plant something else? I'm trying to extend the usage of this plot into Fall/Winter. I know alfalfa won't let new alfalfa plants grow but didn't know if that effected other stuff like wheat or rye?

- West Michigan

 

[westwind]

I do not have any alfalfa and haven’t done this!!!

Here is what AI says to do. It claims as long as you no till/vertical till your alfalfa will be there in the spring, you’ll want to terminate the rye in the spring to minimize nitrogen tie up. Alfalfa is it’s own deal and I’ve never grown it so I’m curious what others say about this! I’m also relying on what you said about it already being grazed low. This is along the lines of what I do with clover. Clover is kinda like alfalfa in my head but it’s got its own set of rules from what I have read over the years.

 

[Hardwood11]

Not sure, but Alfalfa is tough and might withstand the browse just fine …

 

[Jbra]

I know the alfalfa can withstand the pressure. I’m concerned once the alfalfa goes dormant and the deer have it eaten to the dirt, that’s when I want more growing like wheat or else that plot is a ghost town.