Alfalfa management: Deciding on last cutting this fall
Alfalfa will quit growing after the first hard freeze, which can be as early as October 1 or as late as November 1. The decision should be weather-based at this time of the year because the timing of the last two cuttings impacts the winter survival and productivity of the stand in the following year.
Alfalfa management: Deciding on last cutting this fall
Alfalfa will quit growing after the first hard freeze. In Kansas, this could happen as early as October 1 or as late as November 1. The last cutting prior to dormancy should be made so there will be 8 to 12 inches of foliage, or 4 to 6 weeks of growth time, before the first killing frost.
Alfalfa management: Deciding on the last cutting this fall
Alfalfa will quit growing after the first hard freeze which in Kansas occurs on average around October 15, but can be as early as October 1 or as late as November 1. The last cuttings should be weather-based because the timing of the last two cuttings impacts the winter survival and productivity of the stand in the following year.
Alfalfa management options for short or drought-stressed stands
A recent eUpdate article from early September discussed the best time for the last cuttings of alfalfa ahead of the winter months. This article answers some questions related to the last cutting for stands that are shorter than normal or are under drought stress
Alfalfa management: Deciding on the last cutting this fall
Alfalfa stops growing after the first hard freeze. The timing of the last two cuttings impacts winter survival and stand productivity in the following year. Alfalfa needs to store enough carbohydrates to survive the winter. Root reserves this fall are the main driver for the crop's yield and quality next year.