Top Tips for Successful Lucerne Establishment

Lucerne is very hardy once established. Land selection, soil preparation and attention to detail when seeding are critical for the success of the crop.

Tips for successful lucerne establishment on your farm

Although lucerne is very hardy once established, land selection, soil preparation and attention to detail when seeding the crop are critical for its success The goal in the first year of stand establishment is to ensure an even and dense crop and that the root system is sufficiently developed to overwinter.

Top tips for successful lucerne establishment:

• Choose the right plot: pH>6.5 and not hydromorphic
• Prepare the soil well: fine soil on the surface while compact at a depth to increase seed-soil contact
• Sow 1 cm deep: allow a maximum of 15 centimetres between rows
• Sowing density of 900 seeds/m2: adapt based on the condition of the field
• Sow at the right time: in the spring or in late summer, depending on the region

More about lucerne

Read Lucerne Crop Essential

Field selection

• Lucerne requires healthy, well-aerated soil, in order to promote the development of the nodules and gas exchange in the roots.
• Avoid hydromorphic or excessively compacted soil that asphyxiates bacteria, as this prevents the development of nodules.
• Soil pH should also be considered. Excessively acidic soils inhibit the activity of symbiotic bacteria. Symbiotic activity is optimal with a slighly acidic to neutral pH.
• Lucerne is an auto-toxic species. As a result, it is important to maintain a five to seven year rotation between the sowing of two lucerne crops on the same plot.

Link between production and soil PH at first cut

Source : Arvalis

Soil and seeding preparation

• For optimal establishment and root growth, the seed bed should be sufficiently fine and crumbly on the surface.
• Lucerne seeds are very fine. For good germination, the soil should be pressed back in place, and it is recommended to roll the soil before and after sowing to increase contact between the seed and soil particles.
• Aim for a seeding depth of one centimetre to ensure even germination.
• The space between rows should be a maximum of 15 centimetres to optimise plant spacing and for easier weed control.

Seeding density

• Lucerne should be planted densely, in order to encourage seedlings to thrive during establishment and a viable stand to remain after overwintering.
• Aim for a seeding density of 800 seedlings/m2 to preserve a density of 450 to 500 plants/m2 after the first winter.
• Sowing density needs to be adapted to the climate in the region and the soil type:
  • If the soil is healthy in the winter and if there is enough water in the summer, seed density can be reduced by 100 to 200 seeds/m2.
  • Inversely, sowing density should be increased if the soil tends to be asphyxiating in the winter or in the case of very dry summer conditions.

Precidose®

MAS Seeds lucerne is packaged in Précidose® units to guarantee a precise sowing density. Each Précidose contains 4.5 million seeds. Sowing at 2 Précidoses/ha ensures an optimal sowing density of 900 seeds/m2.

When to seed

• Lucerne can be sown in the spring or late summer, depending on the climate in your region.
• Sowing in late summer offers better crop establishment, as taproot can develop during the winter. This means that the lucerne can be productive from the very first year of planting. However, late summer sowing is only possible in regions with a mild and humid autumn.
• In regions with a cool autumn and early frost, it is recommended to sow in the spring once the soil becomes warmer. Spring sowing is also preferred in regions where late summer is very hot and dry, unless the lucerne will be irrigated.

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