Complete Alfalfa Cultivation Guide 2026

By Kohenoor International — 67+ Years of Alfalfa Seed Expertise

Why Alfalfa?

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is the world's most important forage crop, the "Queen of Forages." It fixes nitrogen, improves soil, and provides 18-22% crude protein feed. With proper management, stands produce 6-8 cuttings/year for 4-8 years.

Climate & Soil

Thrives in well-drained soils pH 6.5-7.5, needing 500-800mm annual rainfall. Ideal germination at 15-25°C. Drought-tolerant once established with 3-6m taproots. Sandy loam to clay loam optimal.

Seed Selection

KN92: warm climates, 19-22% protein. TAIZTAR: superior yield & disease resistance. Sardi: drought-prone regions. Always source dodder-free certified seed with 99.5%+ purity from Kohenoor International.

Land Preparation

Deep plough 30cm, 2-3 harrowings for fine seedbed. Apply 2-3t lime/ha if pH below 6.5. Incorporate 40-60kg P₂O₅ and 60-80kg K₂O/ha. Ensure excellent drainage.

Seeding

Sow 15-25kg/ha. Broadcast: 20-25kg/ha; drill: 15-18kg/ha. Depth 10-15mm. Inoculate with Rhizobium meliloti. Roll after sowing for seed-soil contact.

Irrigation

25-30mm immediately after sowing. Establishment: every 7-10 days. Mature: 800-1200mm/season. Drip increases efficiency 30-40%. Avoid waterlogging.

Pest & Disease

Pests: aphids, weevils, army worms. Use IPM. Diseases: Phytophthora, bacterial wilt, Verticillium. Resistant varieties like TAIZTAR reduce pressure. Rotate every 4-6 years.

Harvesting

First cut at 10% bloom, 60-70 days post-sowing. Subsequent cuts every 28-35 days at 5-7cm stubble. Allow 4-6 weeks before frost for hardening.

Global Markets

Major importers: UAE, Saudi Arabia, China, Japan, South Korea. Global market exceeds $10B annually. Pakistan-origin seeds prized for genetic purity and dodder-free certification.