Ladak Alfalfa
$4.55 - $4.85
Ladak alfalfa is a line of alfalfa genetics that was introduced to the U.S. in the early 1900’s, making it one of the earliest used alfalfas in the country. Since then, alfalfa breeders have made improvements on these genetic lines resulting in increased performance over the original Ladak alfalfas. Alfalfa from these lines will be the most drought tolerant and winter hardy alfalfa on the market. We carry improved varieties of Ladak such as Big Sky Ladak, which have much higher yield potential and better disease resistance than the original lines. Ladak alfalfa is an excellent solution for dryland hay production, rangeland interseeding, or reclamation in western environments.
Seeding Rate:
Good Soil, Adequate Moisture – 15-20 lbs./acre
Light Soil, Dry conditions – 12-15 lbs./acre
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Product Guide
Planting
- Planting Time:
- Early Spring: After hard freezing conditions have ended.
- Late Summer/Early Fall: Allow 4-6 weeks of growth before the first hard frost.
- Seeding Rate:
- Good Soil, Adequate Moisture – 15-20 lbs./acre
- Light Soil, Dry conditions – 12-15 lbs./acre
- Ideal Seed Depth: ½”
- Alfalfa should be drilled into a firm seedbed or broadcasted and packed.
Fertility
- Alfalfa requires 12 lbs of P2O5, 49 lbs of K2O, and 5.4 lbs of S per ton of forage.
- Make fertilizer applications based on expected yield and soil fertility levels.
- If soil fertility levels are low, applying 25-30 lbs/acre of nitrogen at planting will help increase stand establishment.
- Do not exceed a total of 10 lbs/acre of N+K if fertilizer is placed in-furrow at planting.
Weed Control
Plant into a clean, weed-free seedbed and consider using the herbicide options below for optimal weed control:
| Timing | Herbicide | Rate | Notes | Weeds Controlled | Control Method |
| Preemergence (seeding) | Butyrac 200 (2,4-DB) | 1-3 qts/a | Apply before weed heights exceed 3″. Minor crop injury may occur. | Broadleaves | Contact |
| Pursuit (Imazethapyr) | 3-6 oz/a | Apply when seedling alfalfa is in the second trifoliate stage or larger | Broadleaves | Contact | |
| Poast (Sethoxydim) | 0.75-2.0 pts/a | Apply before weeds exceed 8″ in height. | Grasses | Contact | |
| Select Max (Clethodim) | 9-16 oz/a | Apply before weeds exceed 8″ in height. | Grasses | Contact | |
| Broclean (Bromoxynil) | 1.0-1.5 pts/a | Apply when alfalfa has a minimum of 4 fully developed trifoliates. Minor crop injury may occur. | Broadleaves | Contact | |
| Postemergence (established) | Butyrac 200 (2,4-DB) | 1-3 qts/a | Apply before weed heights exceed 3″. Minor crop injury may occur | Broadleaves | Contact |
| Pursuit (Imazethapyr) | 3-6 oz/a | Apply immediately after a cutting before excessive regrowth begins. | Broadleaves | Contact | |
| Poast (Sethoxydim) | 0.75-2.0 pts/a | Apply before weeds exceed 8″ in height. | Grasses | Contact | |
| Select Max (Clethodim) | 9-16 oz/a | Apply before weeds exceed 8″ in height. | Grasses | Contact |
Disclaimer: All products and rates were provided by university-based sources and product labels. Always follow label instructions and consult your local chemical dealer and seed dealer before making any applications or planting the seed.
Management
- Nurse Crops: Spring seeded alfalfa can be planted with a small grain nurse crop such as oats, barley, or spring triticale. Use 1/3 – ½ seeding rates of the nurse crop to avoid over competing with new alfalfa.
- Ex. 1 bushel of oats as a nurse crop vs. a full rate of 3 bushels.
- Nurse crops have little benefit to late summer/early fall seedings and are not recommended.
- Avoid pushing new alfalfa seedings too hard during the establishment year. 1-3 cuttings during the first year is acceptable, depending on growing conditions and region.
- Allow 3-4 weeks from the time of the last cutting until the average first frost date to allow alfalfa to regenerate reserves needed to survive winter and perform well the following year.
Multiple Regions
Every acre is different and our goal is to help you know what works best in your area. This 'Growing Regions' section showcases where this species works best. If you have any questions on product placement, feel free to contact our experts and we will help!
