Researchers are investigating other perennial plants with similar characteristics to alfalfa, such as medic. These can be grown as a companion to a conventional crop in drier areas. Forages aid the rotation Many soils would support forage cropping. Producers would benefit from annual weed suppression, a more diverse source of income and the advantage of the naturally placed nitrogen, said Entz. George Clayton of Agriculture Canada in Lacombe, Alta., said the ability of crops such as alfalfa to eliminate problem weeds like wild oats can be a valuable service to farmers.
Agricultural economists agree with the concept of long-term rotations and further diversification.
Diversity is key to a sustainable agriculture. This is also eliminated in the forage stand. A winter-seeded herbicide resistant canola crop in the rotation will allow early weed control with a single chemical. In some years of the rotation, pre-harvest applications of glyphosate will kill perennial broadleaf weeds such as dandelions that may thrive in alfalfa fields. The years of alfalfa will eliminate wild oats and thistle without herbicides.