After the problems alfalfa has had in many areas of Kansas this year -- including freeze injury, insect infestations, and flooding -- many stands were severely damaged or destroyed. Now's a good time to replace those stands, says Kansas State University crop production specialist Jim Shroyer.
"Late summer and early fall are often the best times to plant alfalfa in Kansas, provided there has been enough rainfall," says Shroyer. "A fall-seeded crop is more productive during the first growing season than a spring-seeded crop. After the first season, however, yield potential is about the same." Growers in northwestern Kansas should plant as early as Aug. 10-15, he says. Those in southeastern Kansas can wait until mid- to late September. In other parts of the state, late August or early September are best.
"Producers just need to plant early enough to have three to five trifoliate leaves before the first frost," Shroyer states.
More information about growing alfalfa in Kansas can be found at: www.oznet.ksu.edu/agronomy/extension/crops/alfalfa.htm.