Irrigation Timing Effects of Soil Trigger Applications of Alfalfa Hay Yield

Abstract

The plant growth regulator Soil Trigger was applied in basin flood irrigation water to the first (following previous cutting) and last irrigations of a third year stand of CUF 101 alfalfa before a late June 1995 harvest. Effect of product on yield may have been limited by pH as irrigation water pH was approximately 7.9. An increase in yield was noted with product usage, with a greater yield increase noted when applied earlier in crop cycle (first irrigation = 136 lbs hay /acre) rather than later in crop development cycle (last irrigation = 34 lbs hay /acre) when compared with the untreated check Yield from the next (July) harvest was not obtained Yield differences were not statistically different or economic for a single harvest in this experiment. Alfalfa quality was not obtained.