Alfalfa

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Cover Crop Name:
Alfalfa
Scientific Name:
Medicago sativa L.
Growth Season:
Cool Season, broadleaf
Plant Type:
Legume (N-fixation)
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Plant Architecture:
Upright plant architecture
Alternative Names:
lucerne
Relative Water Use:
High water use
Salinity Tolerance:
Poor salinity tolerance
Seeding Depth:
¼ – ½ inch
Crude Protein:
14-22%
Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio:
11 – 13
Mycorrhizal Association:
Forms arbuscular mycorrhizal associations
Nitrogen Scavenger Rating:
Good at scavenging nitrogen from the soil
Other Notes:
  • Non-dormant cultivars can perform like an annual
  • Attracts pollinators
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