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^ MnVAP Alfalfa Products
Research points to the importance of alfalfa
in corn-soybean crop rotations.
When compared to corn, soybeans, grain sorghum, and wheat:
alfalfa is the hands down winner with regard
to preventing soil erosion. Alfalfa fields remain wholly undisturbed
by tillage during their rotation. Therefore, earthworm populations
thrive. This leads to corresponding improvements in soil structure.
Alfalfa's deep roots prevent soil loss and
also help prevent nitrate losses. Evidence indicates that
after four years of alfalfa, soil quality
is retained in subsequent crop years. The result of this is
that subsequent crops will experience greater yield
potential with less added fertilizer
than in a rotation without alfalfa.
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.
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