Alfalfa reduces certain weed, insect, and disease populations. As a result established stands of alfalfa require less herbicide and pesticide application. This benefit also carries over to crops following alfalfa in the rotation. By requiring less chemicals to produce a healthy crop and allowing for less chemical usage on subsequent crops, alfalfa plays an important roll in pollution control. Research shows helpful agricultural chemicals are less likely to become harmful pollutants in our rivers and streams if they are never placed onto our fields.

Alfalfa's positive impacts on soil and water quality are particularly important features as Minnesota farmers strive to minimize environmental impact while engaging in economically profitable farming practices.

The Profit Advantage

The best-kept secret about alfalfa is the profit it has generated for years. Agricultural Economists at the University of Minnesota Department of Applied Economics, used decades of southwest Minnesota field data and years of market prices to compare the economics of corn-soybean rotations with rotations that include alfalfa.

Economically, returns on alfalfa in southwest Minnesota have surpassed corn and soybeans for the past 25 years. Alfalfa sustains yields under poor growing conditions - such as drought - better than other crops.