Alfalfa as a cover crop

[vinayvparthasarathy]

Hi,
I would like to know how effective is alfalfa as a cover crop suited for climatic conditions in Trichy, Tamil Nadu. Also if it is suitable please let me know where all i can source the seed material of perennial variety CO-1 within Tamil Nadu.
Regards,
Vinay

[aromedindia]

alfalfa can be good cover cropbut where in whic crop/situation. i have no idea of prennial species varieties. Better you write to Indian Grass Land and Fodder research Institute, Jhansi (UP). If don't get. Please write me back. I will try again.
aromedindia@gamil.com
9451504200

[kirti s]

Dear Sir

Alfalfa is a Perennial growing to 1m at a medium rate. It is hardy to zone 5. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees and Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. Often grown as a green manure. It is a bit slow to establish in its first year so is generally only recommended for positions where it can remain for 2 or more years. Alfalfa is very vigorous from its second year, producing a huge bulk of material that can be cut down 2 or 3 times during the season. Plants are very deep rooting, descending 6 metres or more into the soil, and are able to fix large quantities of atmospheric nitrogen, this makes them one of the very best green manures. Plants are rather intolerant of competition from grass etc, however, and there is the drawback of needing to leave them in the soil for more than 2 years to fully achieve their potential.

Vernal'
A hardy, heavy-yielding cultivar that is resistant to bacterial wilt. It withstands early and frequent cuttings.
'Ranger'
A very hardy form that is resistant to bacterial wilt. When used for making sprouts, it has lower fresh-weight yields and higher protein percentage. Requires a well-drained soil and a pH no lower than 6.5. Sowing rate 16 - 21 kilos per hectare.
'Kansas' 'Kansas Common'
An extremely hardy wild and drought resistant form that has been successfully grown in all climates. An excellent soil improver. Seeding rate is 16 - 27 kilos per hectare.
'Iroquois'
A very winter-hardy form, resistant to bacterial wilt. Requires good drainage and a minimum pH of 6.5 with adequate potash and phosphorous. Seeding rate is 16 - 21 kilos per hectare.

Regards

Kirti

[vinayvparthasarathy]

Hi All,
Thank you for the information. Can anyone please provide me with details of suppliers who can provide Alfalfa/lucerne seeds?
Regards,
Vinay