Alfalfa
Let Kozgro help you with the following common problems associated with alfalfa hay or seed production: stem nematode, root nematode, lygus, thrip, alfalfa weevil, aphid, and others.
Kozgro's organic fertilizer Agricultural Field Blend (AFB) works with the soil as well as the plant. If the soil is properly balanced, you will normally have a healthier, more vigorous plant. In the soil, the AFB helps to add humus and helps to start the process that will quickly break down crop residue into organic matter, and finally into humus which the plant can use. AFB also sets up a conducive environment in the soil that enables beneficial microorganisms, as well as earthworms, to flourish. Many of these beneficial microorganisms feed directly on parasitic microorganisms found in the soil. As the beneficial populations increase, the parasitic organisms that hamper your alfalfa plants will decline, until they are ultimately controlled. |
Normal Practices
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AFB, which is also a plant food, also helps to create a healthier immune system in the alfalfa plant. A healthier immune system, in turn, helps to increase the sugar level in the plant. This is very important when growing alfalfa, either for hay or seed production. First of all, a higher sugar level will help reduce insect and disease problems. A high sugar content in the alfalfa plant is very important, as chewing and sucking insects excrete sugar, but are unable to digest it. If these insect pests ingest too much sugar, they get a condition similar to diarrhea, and will die. Generally, when the sugar content is high enough in your alfalfa, the insect pests will simply avoid feeding in your fields. This is one of the reasons there is less insect and stem nematode damage in alfalfa fields that are using the AFB.
Alfalfa is a member of the legume family. Alfalfa, like all members of the legume family, has the distinct ability to provide a home for a type of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Rhizobium. This Rhizobium lives in nodules that are formed on the roots of the alfalfa and other legumes. Alfalfa, like other members of the legume family, will produce their own nitrogen. These bacteria live in a symbiotic relationship with the alfalfa plants and are able to capture (fix) nitrogen gas from the air and change it into ammonia, which all legumes use to produce protein. AFB not only helps to increase the alfalfa's root mass, but normally increases the amount of nitrogen fixing nodules on the roots, also. These nodules are actually a nitrogen storage facility for the plant to draw from when needed. The unused nitrogen is carried over for the next crop cycle. The end result is normally higher quality alfalfa and more production. The use of a nitrogen fertilizer will reduce, and in some cases eliminate, the number of nitrogen-fixing nodules the alfalfa plant can produce. This in turn reduces, or totally eliminates, the alfalfa's ability to capture nitrogen from the air.
Farmers growing irrigated alfalfa on the Kozgro program have reported water savings of up to 25% during the growing season. As the AFB helps to build the humus in the soil, it also helps to improve the water retention of the soil. This results in a water savings of up to 25% per growing season. It also helps to improve water penetration to the point other products are not needed to do this. Farmers growing alfalfa using the AFB report better control of nematodes, especially stem nematode, and fewer insect and disease problems. The alfalfa normally has more stems and leaves, finer stems, higher feed values, and higher yields. Farmers growing seed alfalfa report better bloom and seed set, healthier plants, fewer insect and disease problems, and better seed production.
Kozgro's organic fertilizer and plant food, AFB, is a liquid and very easy to use. For best results it should be applied broadcast. It can be applied through center pivot irrigation, if the proper injection equipment is used. Timing of application is extremely important for maximum results. The first application should be made in the fall, right after the last cutting, or before planting. Contact your local Kozgro dealer, or check the Kozgro Application Chart for application rates and times.
KOZGRO WORKS WITH THE CAUSE, NOT THE SYMPTOM |
