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Establishing alfalfa-grass mixtures

field with a mix of alfalfa and grass
Alfalfa-grass forage mixture.

Alfalfa fields continue to dominate the forage landscape across Midwestern states. However, mixing an alfalfa variety with grasses to create hay fields is increasingly popular because of the agronomic and livestock benefits of the mixtures

Keys to successful establishment

Forage establishment is a three- to six-year commitment, depending on a producer’s decisions, management practices and field rotations to benefit the farm as a whole system. This is unlike annual commodity crops, in which producers evaluate and select genetics and inputs each year.

Because of this expanded commitment, it’s important to recognize, understand and implement key management considerations.

Variety selection

Selection of alfalfa varieties and grass species to be mixed are critical to successful forage production. This first step to strong production must also include stand establishment, harvesting schedules, fertility and pest management considerations.

Alfalfa variety considerations

Having a productive stand over several years first depends on the mixture to be planted. The easy part is the alfalfa variety, which you can select based on proven University yields over locations and years. Select varieties adapted to your region with high yield, winterhardiness, and disease resistance. Variety winterhardiness and disease resistance information is available in the Alfalfa Variety Leaflet.  

Grass variety considerations

Both grass species and variety should be considered. University of Wisconsin research shows that the grass species has marginal effects on total season yield, but variety selection is crucial.

Orchardgrass, tall and meadow fescue, and bromegrasses are species to use in mixtures. The University of Wisconsin has lists of forage yield and quality data specific to grass species and varieties. Choose grasses based on the following:

  • Yield.

  • Yield seasonal distribution.

  • Maturity-matching alfalfa.

  • Winterhardiness.

  • Disease resistance with a focus on rusts.

Stand establishment

For most livestock systems, a stand containing 30 to 40 percent grasses is desirable. Focus on seeds per square foot planted rather than pounds per acre.  Seeding rate recommendations are generally accepted as 60 to 75 seeds per square foot. At the end of the first year, this results in a final stand of 30 to 35 plants in the same area to maximize yield. For more details on mixture formulations, see Benefits of legume-grass mixtures.

While many planting methods and techniques can successfully establish the forage mix, three things are essential:

  • Good seed-to-soil contact.

  • Soil fertility adjustments.

  • Seeder calibration for seeding rate and seeding depth.

Strategies for success

  • Provide a firm seedbed with limited residue to optimize good seed-to-soil contact. Use equipment that compresses soil using press wheels or rollers.

  • Select field locations for drainage and soil types. Adjust soil pH and nutrient levels to those recommended for the legume in the mixture. Important soil nutrients are phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur.  

  • Calibrate the seeder to ensure the equipment is delivering the targeted seeding rate and adjust equipment to achieve a target depth of 1/4- to 3/4-inch. For most soils, a 1/2-inch seeding depth is optimal; deeper planting depth should only occur in sandy soils.

Cutting height at harvest

An essential consideration for alfalfa-grass mixtures is cutting height. Target a remaining height of 4 inches at harvest. Alfalfa depends on carbohydrates stored in the crown for regrowth, while grasses depend on carbohydrate energy store in the stem bases for regrowth. 

Craig Sheaffer, Extension forage agronomist

Revised from version by Doug Holen, former Extension educator

Reviewed in 2023

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