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The California Alfalfa and Forage Research Foundation (Foundation), formed in 2015, is pleased to announce that one of its first funded research projects has been completed. Project leader Sarah Light, Agronomy Advisor, Sutter, Yuba, and Colusa Counties, University of California Cooperative Extension, is the first of the three Foundation funded projects to have completed her research project titled “Reducing Weed Pressure During Stand Establishment Using Pre-Plant Weed Germination Followed by Mechanical or Chemical Control.” Light received the funding from the Foundation in July of 2018.

The objective of Light’s project was to evaluate the efficacy of pre-plant weed control in alfalfa using mechanical cultivation or Glyphosate spray. The results from Light’s project demonstrated “that controlling weeds prior to planting, either with shallow tillage or an herbicide spray (Glyphosate) will reduce weed pressure, increase yields, and lead to a stronger alfalfa stand after first cutting,” (Light, 2020). Through Light’s trails and data collection, it revealed that “ideally, bot pre-plant and in-season weed control would be implemented to get highest yields, quality, and ensure animal safety,” (Light, 2020).

“The Foundation Board is thrilled to see Light’s project reached completion and has yielded positive results,” said Nicole Helms, executive director of the Foundation. “This project is extremely valuable to our growers; providing more access to this type of information will allow for our growers to experiment with different methods of weed control in order to optimize their yields.”

If you would like to review Light’s final project report, it can be found at http://alfalfafoundation.org/critical-issues-and-projects/final-project-reports/, or if you have any questions for Light, please contact Nicole Helms at nicole@agamsi.com.

About California Alfalfa and Forage Research Foundation: In September of 2015, the California Alfalfa & Forage Association formed the California Alfalfa & Forage Research Foundation (CAFRF) as a non- profit 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation. While various companies and public agencies may fund important research, they often do not reflect the interests of farmers or address their needs. The California Alfalfa and Forage Research Foundation is a foundation run BY and FOR alfalfa and forage growers, with a grower board. Donations to the California Alfalfa and Research Foundation are tax deductible.

For more information on the Foundation, please visit their website: www.alfalfafoundation.org