Avoid the temptation to buy unproven products. Stick with the proven, recommended practices. Often new, miracle products result in no increased yields. Soil pH must be corrected to at least 6.5 for alfalfa, 6.2 for red clover and 6.0 for birdsfoot trefoil. Fertilize annually with 14 pounds of P205 and 60 pounds of K20 per ton of dry matter removed from the field.
Potassium is the most important nutrient for stand maintenance and yield retention.
Phosphorus is very important in stand establishment. Apply minor and micronutrients where plant analysis indicates a problem may exist. Seedings Prepare a level, firm, weed-free seedbed. Lack of a firm seedbed in the area of seed placement is a major factor in causing seeding failures. When firming the seedbed, the primary firming should occur prior to seed placement.