Alfalfa as a Range Legume

Abstract

Alfalfa invades spring grazed range. Plowing range and sowing alfalfa and orchardgrass demonstrates alfalfa's ability to produce forage and fertility. Several methods of establishing alfalfa on the range are described. Alfalfa has been found to be more adapted to the dryer sites. It supplies fertility, changes plant composition, and greatly increases carrying capacity. Alfalfa thrives on close spring grazing, it draws on winter accumulated moisture, raises humidity, and catches drifting snow. In one study, alfalfa has stimulated native grass cover to the exclusion of big sagebrush.