Alfalfa Fertilizer Applications

Apply micronutrients, fungicides, insecticides, and PGR’s for maximum alfalfa yield and quality potential.

Apply fertilizer to replace removed nutrients.

• Potassium (K) and Phosphorous (P) are important nutrients required for high yield alfalfa.
• Alfalfa needs 50 pounds of K applied per every DM ton of forage removed.  
• Sulfur (S) is important for protein production. Sulfur should be applied annually at a rate of 5 pounds per ton of expected forage.
• Boron (B) is also needed for alfalfa and can be applied annually with K. 
• Application rates should be based on crop removal, soil test, and yield goals.

Insecticide applications can be paired with fungicide, micronutrient, and plant growth regulator (PGR) applications in-season to maximize yield and quality potential. Tank mix applications should be made on 6”-10” of crop regrowth.  

• Fungicides should be applied early season (on first and second crop) to protect from foliar disease and minimize leaf loss to maximize quality and yield potential.
• Insecticides should be applied when threshold levels are met for weevil, potato leafhoppers, and/or aphids.
• PGRs such as Ascend® SL and biostimulant fertilizers such as Kriss® help promote vigorous plant growth and minimize stress.
• Tissue sampling helps indicate micronutrient needs.  
• Boron (B) is needed for optimal alfalfa yields. Sulfur (S)  is important for protein production in alfalfa. MAX-IN® Boron and MAX-IN Sulfur contain CornSorb^® technology to help promote nutrient uptake and movement in the plant.