Ensuring adequate soil fertility levels and effectively managing nutrients are two keys to growing alfalfa successfully in Alberta.

Alfalfa can produce from 2 to 7 tons of dry matter per acre depending on water and nutrients levels. Climate, soil type and management will also affect alfalfa's potential yield.

Alfalfa has a high demand for nutrients compared to other crops. Table 1 gives the approximate amount of each nutrient removed per ton of dry matter alfalfa. Alfalfa also requires 4 to 5 inches of water for each ton of dry matter produced.

Successful alfalfa production requires effective nutrient management, including the identification of nutrient deficiencies and excesses. Soil sampling and soil testing are excellent tools for checking soil nutrient levels and are critical in developing a fertilizer management plan.

Achieving a balance of nutrient inputs and removal outputs means knowing both the nutrient requirements and the nutrient removal. Reliable nutrient recommendations for alfalfa depend on accurate soil tests and crop nutrient calibrations based on extensive field research.