Seeding alfalfa during late summer can result in vigorous and productive forage stands if proper establishment practices are followed. As a rule of thumb, these seedings should be made six to eight weeks before the first killing frost. This means that August 1-10 would be ideal for most years in East Central Wisconsin.
Seeding too early increases the risk for hot, dry conditions during germination and seedling development. Seeding too late will not give the crop enough time to develop adequate root and top growth before winter. Adequate moisture for germination and development should not be a problem in 1996, if current weather patterns continue and seeding is accomplished in a timely manner. The best advice is to keep your seed in the bag after September 1st.
Late-summer seeding offer several advantages to traditional spring seedings. First, there is no need to use a companion crop or PPI herbicide for weed control. Weed pressure is not as intense during this time of the year compared to early spring. Additionally, warmer soil temperatures result in more vigorous development of the crop. Companion crops are never recommended for summer seedings because they compete too strongly for available soil moisture. Post-directed herbicides remain an option if weeds become too competitive; however, remember that the first frost will kill most annual weeds. It is still important to control perennial weeds, such as quackgrass, before seeding the alfalfa.
Alfalfa yields during the first production year for late-summer seedings are greater than yields of spring seedings during the year of establishment. A summer seeding made in 1996 can essentially be managed as an established stand in 1997. Seedling diseases such as phytophthora root rot and aphanomyces are less of a concern in late summer compared to spring. Lastly, by seeding a percentage of you alfalfa during late summer, you reduce your workload next spring.
As with spring seedings, it is important to know your soil test levels before seeding and make any necessary fertilizer and lime applications. A firm seedbed is a must for late summer seedings. A loose, fluffy seedbed can spell disaster so consider rolling or cultipacking both before, during an dafter seeding to improve seed-soil contact and to conserve soil moisture. Generally, no adjustment is needed from recommended spring seeding rates. No-till late summer forage establishment can be successful if proper seeding equipment is used and seedling competition from weeds is eliminated using an approved herbicide.
Late-summer alfalfa seedings should be viewed as a forage establishment alternative where the opportunities exist for such a practice and not as a total replacement for traditional spring seedings. These opportunities include following a small grain or canning crop, where earlier spring alfalfa seedings have failed, and where older forage stands are no longer productive. In the latter situation, allelopathy and/or diseases may be a problem if the existing stand was not plowed/sprayed at least 2-3 weeks (preferably one month) before reseeding.
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