How long is the growth cycle of alfalfa?

Introduction to Alfalfa Growth

Alfalfa has a wide adaptability to soil, but is most suitable for planting in loose sandy loam. It is widely planted in China, mainly distributed in Inner Mongolia, Sichuan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Hubei, Jiangsu, Fujian, Xinjiang, Gansu and other places.

Alfalfa growth cycle

Alfalfa prefers a warm and humid climate, is drought-resistant, and is resistant to cold and heat. It has a wide range of adaptability to soil and climate, can be sown all year round, and has tenacious vitality. It can be used for soil and water conservation, sand control, slope protection, and greening mountainous areas.

The growth cycle of alfalfa is very short, generally only taking 25 days from sowing to harvesting.

Alfalfa growth rate

1. Swelling is the initial stage of seed germination. It is the first action after the seeds are sown in the soil. The seeds will become saturated after absorbing water. Once the seeds absorb 125% of their own weight in water, they will break through the seed coat and then germinate.

2. Germination is the second stage of seed germination, which is manifested by various weight changes in the seed body. The storage substances are transformed, causing the volume of the embryo to expand, and the tip of the radicle breaks through the seed coat and extends outward, which is also called "whitening" or "breaking the chest".

3. After germination, the embryo continues to grow. When the radicle and plumule extend out of the seed coat and develop to a certain extent, it is called germination, which is the third stage of the growth process.

4. Alfalfa can germinate at temperatures above 3°C, but the ideal germination temperature is 18°C ​​to 25°C. If its growth standards can be met, you can see tender green sprouts in about 20 days.

Alfalfa grows fast.

Alfalfa growth cycle management

The yield of alfalfa per mu is generally 2,000 to 4,000 kilograms, and the hay yield is 500 to 800 kilograms. In areas with better conditions, the yield of hay per mu can be 700 to 800 kilograms.

Temperature management: Alfalfa has a wide adaptability to temperatures and can grow and germinate in temperatures ranging from -15 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius. The most suitable temperature is between 5 and 35 degrees.

Fertilization management: Appropriate amount of nitrogen fertilizer can be applied to alfalfa seedlings to promote growth. At the same time, topdressing can be done when watering after each mowing, mainly using phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer. In addition, fertilizers containing trace elements such as sulfur, boron, and molybdenum can also be applied to increase yield.