Lucerne is a perennial crop with high demands in terms of soil fertility. Soil analyses will be essential to determine the soil fertility and to set up a fertilizer plan. The main recommendations

for fertilizing lucerne are given in the table below.

There’s an enormous effect of P and K supply on lucerne yield. This is shown in trial results from the Purdue University in USA (see picture):

Other nutrients, minerals and trace-elements

Another essential mineral in growing lucerne is Sulphur (S). This nutrient is important for protein formation within plants and thus, influence the crude protein content of lucerne silage or hay. Soils low in sulphur should be given additional fertilizer.

Two essential micro-elements are Molybdenum (Mb) and Boron (B). For Rhizobia growth Molybdenum is needed. Boron prevents drought stress in lucerne. Both elements are likely to be limiting on poor sandy soils.

Animal manure and slurry

Manure or slurry are preferable applied before sowing. Up to 30 tons per hectare can be applied before ploughing/cultivation. High gifts aren’t recommended though, as available nitrogen inhibits Rhizobium activity.

If used in an existing stand, manure or slurry should be applied at the beginning of the growth season before the first lucerne sprouts emerge. Handling slurry or manure is a potential risk to stand persistency, as lucerne plants are easily damaged by heavy machines.

Nutrient deficiency

Some shortages in nutrients can be clearly identified in lucerne stands, as can be seen on the pictures below. Generally, nutrient deficiencies come back to poor inoculation, too less P/K-fertilizer or low soil quality.

Xxx

Nitrogen deficiency – yellowish/light-green colored plants, stunted growth. This indicates a lack of active Rhizobium in the soil, which might come from using untreated seeds, a low soil-pH or Molybdenum-deficiency.

Xxx

Phosphorus deficiency – stunted growth, plants are stiff and upright. Leaves tend to curl and purple coloration. Occurs mostly in spring, when soil temperature is low.

Xxx

Potassium deficiency – small white spots on the older leaves, on leaf margins. Later turning yellow. Occurs more often after the 1^st cut and K-deficient stands can show more winterdamaga.

Xxx

Magnesium deficiency – younger leaves start yellowing, margins initially stay green. Might be identified as K-deficiency too.    

Click here for more information about climate zones in Europe and the Mediterranean

Depending on the climate zones, Barenbrug offers various Lucerne products. Every product has its own features suitable for different conditions.

Click here for more information about Lucerne