Certified Organic WS LeafGuard Brand Alfalfa (w/Apex™ Green)
WS LeafGuard LH Alfalfa (w/Apex™ Green) is a newer leafhopper resistant (glandular haired) alfalfa that offers producers the newest generation of leafhopper resistance along with exceptional yields and a superior disease package. WS LeafGuard LH Alfalfa delivers outstanding, high-quality forage under delayed harvest intervals and is an excellent choice for producers looking for quality forage with long term rotations on a 3-4 cut system.
Potato leafhoppers (PLH) are perhaps the most serious insect pest of alfalfa in the Midwest, but with newer generation varieties like WS LeafGuard LH with high resistance to Leafhoppers, we may ultimately alter the very pest status of this insect on alfalfa.
“The use of glandular-haired alfalfa varieties can significantly reduce yield losses. Adults are repelled by plant hairs, and nymphs get caught in the sticky hairs and starve. Newly planted resistant fields may not show resistance immediately, but should develop sticky hairs after becoming established” (ISU Dept of Entomology, Dr Erin Hodgson, 2014).
Organic WS LeafGuard Alfalfa is pre-inoculated and coated with an OMRI listed inoculant and coating. Inoculation is recommended for alfalfa for improved establishment and growth.
*Details on seed coatings, inoculations and our OMRI certificate are available on our Resources Page.
*Organic seeds and grains are grown by organic growers that adhere to the strict organic practices that are required by organic producers. No chemical fertilizer, insecticides or herbicides are allowed in producing this seed. Genetic purity is maintained throughout the production and processing of this seed.
OMRI Listed
No
Establishment
Plant alfalfa at 1/4″ depth in a soil bed that is moist, fertile and firm. Plant at least 1/2″ depth on sandy soils.
Alfalfa prefers crumbly silt loam to sandy loam textures, but alfalfa will grow well on most deep, well-drained soils with adequate internal and surface drainage.
The pH level for alfalfa should be 6.5-7.2.
Alfalfa may be planted in spring or early fall.
For maximum yields, it is important to have 20-30 plants per square foot during the seedling year for protection against weed competition.
*Do not harvest alfalfa seeded in late summer/early fall until the following spring.
*Alfalfa will die if the soil is saturated for an extended period.
Management
For maximum yields, it is important to have 20-30 plants per square foot during the seedling year for protection against weed competition.
Apply lime and fertilizer as needed.
Alfalfa is a heavy potash user, some micronutrient supplements would be beneficial (boron, sulfur, zinc).
First year seedings should be cut at 25% bloom.
Cut alfalfa three-four times a year from budding to full flower, depending on forage quality needed.
The last cutting or grazing of alfalfa should be 4 weeks before the killing frost.