New WS VP23 Brand Alfalfa (w/Apron XL®)
WS VP23 Brand Alfalfa (w/Apron XL®) is a new, exciting alfalfa with high yields of quality forage with quick growth and aggressive regrowth. WS VP23 is a very persistent variety and can be utilized in a multi cut system.
WS VP23 is coated with w/Apron XL®, which is NOT approved for Organic use.
WS VP Brand Alfalfa (w/Apron XL®) has a High Resistance to Aphanomyces Root Rot Race 1 and a Medium Resistance to Aphanomyces Root Rot Race 2, the two most dominant strains of this disease.
Aphanomyces root rot is an important alfalfa disease and can be detrimental to new or established seedlings. The pathogen that causes Aphanomyces root rot is an Oomycetous Fungi that is prevalent in the Midwest and is especially present in wet and poorly drained soils.
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.
*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.