Alfalfa in the South!
With the increase in nitrogen prices, legumes could become a great option for either grazing systems or hay production. Producers have the misconception that we cannot grow alfalfa in the southern USA, but research conducted at Mississippi State and the University of Georgia has proven the viability of alfalfa in the region. Legumes require management and that means a proper soil pH (>6.0), medium to high P and K levels, cutting at the right growth stage, and storing properly. If you are not a good manager of your forages, then of course that alfalfa will not produce and persist. If you are thinking about alfalfa, start with a small acreage (2-5 acres) and learn about the management before you invest in production. Here are some examples of successful alfalfa production systems in our region (AL, MS, and LA).
Original source can be found here.
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