The Mineral Nutrition of Alfalfa (Part 2)

Abstract

The common alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) originated in Southwest Asia, and is found as a wild plant scattered over central Asia and even into Siberia. It is believed that alfalfa was first cultivated in Iran. Alfalfa is undoubtedly a highly productive plant, yielding high amounts of dry matter. In many experiments, alfalfa has outyielded other pasture species by a considerable margin. Alfalfa is also high in minerals, particularly in calcium. It also is high in vitamins, especially carotens. Alfalfa is remarkably well-adapted to a wide range of climatic and soil conditions. However, it is best adapted to deep loam soils with porous subsoils. Good drainage for alfalfa is essential. It also requires large amounts of lime, and it does not do well on soils which are decidedly acidic. Alfalfa grows extremely well in dry climates on fertile soils where there is sufficient moisture available, such from irrigation. The main center of the world production of cultivated alfalfa is in North America, where the United States and Canada combined grow approximately one-half of the estimated world acreage. The soil nutrients required for the growth of alfalfa are much the same as for other plants, but the availability of these nutrients differ with soil and weather conditions. Mineral deficiency symptoms and below-normal and normal concentrations of nutrients in the herbage can be ascertained when alfalfa responds to those nutrients. From the studies made by many researchers, the relationships between the kind of soil and the deficiencies most commonly occurring are clear and well known. Methods of mineral analysis in soil and plant of significance for plant growth have been studied. Thus, from these chemical analysis and plant symptoms of nutrient deficiency, we can ascertain the problems of alfalfa growth and can thereby correct them.