Obviously, snow cover during the winter and early spring will be of great benefit as well. A recent Michigan State University study found that the number of temperature fluctuations above and below 32 degrees was also an important factor in determining alfalfa winter survival. At this point, I see two negative factors working against alfalfa survival for 2001. First, soil conditions are much wetter. Already we can see alfalfa plants yellowing in the wetter areas of fields.
Wet soils increase the risk of both disease and plant heaving.
Second, many stands have now experienced four cuttings for two or more years. This puts an added stress on plants. My observations have always been that the simple presence of dead alfalfa stems from the fall before usually has a large impact on alfalfa survival. Certainly they help to catch snow and inhibit the snow from melting away. However, there seems to be other advantages.