Alfalfa seeded at different row spacings but at the same rate of pure live seed (PLS) doesn't yield or persist much differently after the establishment year. That's what Vance Owens, South Dakota State University plant scientist, found when comparing two varieties seeded at 18 lbs PLS/acre at 0", 6" and 12” row spacings.
Plants were counted twice each of the first two years. Row spacings affected stand density in eight of 11 instances during the year of and the year after establishment, but it affected yield in only one of five cuttings across sites. Generally, 0” and 6” rows had higher plant densities than 12” rows during the establishment year. But differences weren't always significant and tended to diminish the year after establishment.