Attention to detail when establishing lucerne this spring will help maximise stand productivity and longevity.
Attention to detail when establishing lucerne this spring will help maximise stand productivity and longevity.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand has resources available to guide farmers through every aspect of lucerne management, from pre-establishment inputs through to grazing and annual weed control. It also runs a text alert service which sends subscribers timely tips and reminders and expert advice on lucerne management from Professor Derrick Moot. They can also get their questions answered. To subscribe go to Subscriptions in your account on B+LNZ’s website https://beeflambnz.com/user/login or email [email protected]
Lucerne is typically sown in October and needs free-draining soils which have a pH of 6.0-6.5. This pH is important as it aids molybdenum availability and minimises aluminium toxicity, which can be a problem in some parts of the country.
Recommended nutrient levels for lucerne are an Olsen P of around 20, sulphur levels of 10-plus, and potassium levels of over six.
Pre-establishment weed control is important, and B+LNZ’s Factsheet “Lucerne establishment weed control options” gives farmers a guide on suitable agrichemicals and application rates, depending on weed profiles.
Innoculated lucerne seed is sown at 8-10kh/ha, typically with fertiliser.
A well-established new stand can provide useful feed into January, which could be particularly useful this summer if the forecast El Niño weather pattern plays out as expected.