From HUFFAKER@AESOP.RUTGERS.EDUThu Nov  3 11:21:14 1994
Date: Thu, 03 Nov 1994 10:28:49 -0400 (EDT)
From: HUFFAKER@AESOP.RUTGERS.EDU
To: forage-mg@oes.orst.edu
Subject: Richard Meinert alfalfa question, 2nd attempt!

Dear Rich, 

Responding to your alfalfa inquiry to the best of my knowledge:

1. Old research used to say a wait of at least 12 months or
a crop season was required to minimize allelopathic response.  However,
recent data out of MI printed in Fall 1993 issue of "Alfalfa Talk"
suggests a wait of as little as 2 weeks is required, assuming the
field is fully-tilled (moldboard plowdown, thorough discing, etc.)
For fields which are to be no-tilled alfalfa,
a 3 week wait post-ROUNDUP burndown of old
alfalfa stand was proven to be all that was needed.

2.  Most states probably recommend some Nitrogen in the starter,
epscially in adverse conditions or sites with poor fertility.
In NJ and PA, for example, 10-30 lbs of N is usually recommended.
(for example, 100-300 lbs of a 10-10-10 fertilizer).
PA suggets that Nitrogen is NOT necessary for no-till plantings.

3.  Seed no deeper than 1/4"-1/2" into a firmly-packed seedbed.

4. More important than RATE of inoculum is FRESHNESS of inoculum.
Although most seed is sold pre-inoculated, many recommend that
fresh incoulum still be added.
This insures live, viable inoculum is employed.  Recommendations
on rate seem to vary from 7-16 ounces inoculum per 20 or so 
lbs of seed.  Use of "stickers" and again, emphasis on freshness,
or most important.  Follow labelled rates and be certain the strains
selected are designed for use on alfalfa.


Hope this helps.


Miles Huffaker, Program Associate
Rutgers Cooperative Extension
RR 2 Box 347
Woodstown, NJ 08098
(609) 769-0090

HUFFAKER@aesop.rutgers.edu