How to Start a Good Alfalfa Stand

Summary

This video explores the essential steps to achieve a strong stand of alfalfa or grass. It emphasizes the importance of preparing a weed-free, leveled, and firm seedbed, planting seeds at the correct depth of ¼–½ inch, and maintaining proper seeding rates. The instructor highlights how proper soil packing ensures good seed-to-soil contact, while observing seed visibility and plant spacing helps monitor emergence. Over-seeding is discouraged, as excess plants compete and naturally thin over time. By following these practical guidelines, farmers can establish healthy, productive fields that reach an optimal density of 30–40 plants per square foot by the end of the seeding year.

Takeaways

• 🌱 A good stand of alfalfa or grass starts with a weed-free field.
• 🟫 Leveling the field is important to ensure uniform seed growth.
• 🪵 Packing the soil so it is firm is crucial; the soil should not sink more than a quarter of an inch underfoot.
• 🌾 Proper seed placement and depth are key factors for a successful stand.
• 📏 For most soils, alfalfa and grass seeds should be planted at a depth of a quarter to half an inch.
• 🏖 In sandy soils, seeds can be planted slightly deeper than the typical range.
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• 🔍 After seeding, approximately 4-5 seeds per square foot should be visible on the surface.
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• 📊 A good alfalfa stand has about 40 plants per square foot initially, thinning to 30-35 by the end of the seeding year.
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• ⚖ Over-seeding can cause excessive competition between plants, even if the initial stand looks dense and healthy.
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• 💧 Proper soil contact is essential for seeds to take up water and establish a strong stand.
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• 👀 Observing the field after seeding helps identify if seeds were planted too deep or if adjustments are needed.

Q & A

What is the first key factor in getting a good stand of alfalfa or grass?

The first key factor is having a weed-free stand to start with. This ensures that the new seedlings are not competing with weeds for nutrients, water, and sunlight.

Why is it important for the soil to be firm when seeding alfalfa or grass?

Firm soil ensures good seed-to-soil contact, which is necessary for the seed to absorb water and germinate properly. If the soil is too loose, the seed may not take up water, leading to a poor stand.

What is the recommended depth for planting alfalfa and grass seeds?

The recommended seeding depth for alfalfa and grasses is generally between a quarter inch and half an inch. Seeds can be planted slightly deeper in sandy soils.

How can you tell if seeds were planted too deep?

If no seeds are visible on the soil surface after seeding, it likely means the seeds were planted too deep.

What should the soil surface look like after proper seeding?

After proper seeding, you should be able to see approximately 4-5 seeds per square foot on the surface of the soil.

What is considered an adequate stand of alfalfa three weeks after seeding?

An adequate stand would show plants about every inch in a row, with roughly 40 plants per square foot, which is sufficient for healthy growth.

What happens if the seeding rate is unnecessarily high?

If the seeding rate is too high, the plants compete against each other for resources, and although the stand may look good initially, it will thin down to the ideal range of 30-35 plants per square foot by the end of the seeding year.

Why is packing the soil around the seed important?

Packing the soil ensures that the seed has good contact with the soil, which helps the seed absorb water and promotes consistent germination.

What is the effect of soil that sinks more than a quarter inch underfoot?

Soil that sinks more than a quarter inch indicates it is too loose, which can prevent proper seed-to-soil contact and result in a poor stand.

By the end of the seeding year, what is the target number of alfalfa plants per square foot?

The target is about 30-35 plants per square foot by the end of the seeding year, which ensures a strong and sustainable stand.