The Rural Voice, 1988-06, Page 57completes its growth, it goes through
a cycle of depleting and then storing
food reserves in its roots. This stored
food is necessary for each new
growth and is essential to winter sur-
vival. All new growth uses up food
reserves for about three weeks. From
then on, some of the food manufac-
tured in the leaves, but not needed for
growth, is stored in the roots. This
reserve cycle is completed at the
bloom stage, or about six weeks after
growth begins.
Soil Requirements ...
Alfalfa has very little tolerance for
poor drainage conditions. The crop
will soon kill even where run-off
water lies for only a few days during
the spring melt.
Alfalfa feeds heavily on calcium,
and requires well -limed soil. Lime is
also necessary for nodulation by N -
fixing bacteria in the roots. A soil pH
of 6.5 to 7 is desirable.
Potassium and phosphorus are also
very much needed for successful
alfalfa production. A soil test is the
best way to ensure proper levels of all
these nutrients.
Manure is an excellent fertilizer
for alfalfa, although the N it contains
is not needed by the crop and may be
more useful elsewhere. (Never apply
manure when the alfalfa is covered
with snow, as ice frequently forms
under the manure and spreader wheel
marks, killing the plants.)
The benefits of alfalfa, both as a
valuable crop in itself as well as to
succeeding crops, can be easily
appreciated. It is known as the best
source of economical, home-grown
protein for livestock. Only through a
full understanding of the peculiarities
of this leguminous plant, however, can
its benefits to agriculture be fully
realized.0
KASCO
Protective Helmets for
Chemical & Dust Protections
Bob cr Marilyn french
SPRATEK ENTERPRISES
R.R. 2, Mitchell, Ont.
(519) 348-8218
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PORK CONGRESS
SPECIALS
WESTEEL
GRAIN BINS
on
HAMMER
MILLS
•
0
SEE OUR DISPLAY INSIDE & OUTSIDE
AT THE ONTARIO PORK CONGRESS
ALmART
GRAIn SYSTEMS LTD.
263 Main St. N., P.O. BOX 550, EXETER, ONTARIO NOM 1S0
519-235-1919
or call Brad Marsden, evenings 519-235-2018
JUNE 1988 55