Alfalfa: description of the crop and its application

Alfalfa is one of the representatives of the legume family. This medicinal plant is native to Central Asia. It is also known under the names lechukha, zorya and medunka.

Humanity has known about the beneficial properties of this herb for a long time. According to historical chronicles, back in 470 BC, during the war between the Persians and Greeks, a certain plant endowed with a wide range of healing properties was brought from the Persian province of Media to Greece. Based on the description, it contains alfalfa.

Researchers have not come to a unanimous opinion about when people learned to cultivate alfalfa. According to one version, this plant was first “cultivated” back in the third millennium BC. However, most experts are inclined to believe that alfalfa cultivation first began in the territory of modern Central Asia and Transcaucasia about five thousand years ago. However, this plant gained popularity in Europe and the USA only at the beginning of the twentieth century. Moreover, it can be considered that it is alfalfa that stands at the foundations of network marketing as a phenomenon.

Historical reference

Content:

• Historical reference
• general characteristics
• How to grow
• Chemical composition and calorie content
• Medicinal properties
• Use in cooking
• Traditional medicine recipes
• Application in cosmetology
• Harm and contraindications
• How to properly harvest alfalfa

Recognition of alfalfa came thanks to the American Carl Rehnborg. Between 1915 and 1927 he worked as a sales representative in China. Due to his occupation, the young man had to travel a lot throughout the country. He actively studied local traditions and customs. The American's particular attention was drawn to the difference in the diet of the rural and urban populations. Rehnborg noticed that the inhabitants of the virtually “cut off from civilization” rural areas of China are more active and cheerful than residents of big cities. Moreover, they maintained mental clarity and health into old age.

After analyzing the information at his disposal, Rehnborg came to the conclusion that it was all about the diet of the Chinese. Thus, city residents practically did not consume a plant that was very popular among peasants - alfalfa. It enjoyed incredible popularity in the villages and even won the honorary title of “the basis of all blessings.”

After studying the chemical composition of alfalfa, Rehnborg returned to the United States and created the world's first dietary supplement. It was a plant concentrate based on alfalfa, parsley, watercress and yeast starter.

Then a funny thing happened. Rehnborg generously began to distribute his invention to his friends, inviting them to try it out immediately. However, they refused his offerings, fearing to take a strange drug. Then an insight descended on Rehnborg - he realized that in order for his invention to be in demand, it must be sold, and not given away. In 1934, he founded his own company, which was renamed Nutrilite Products in 1939. Rehnborg also proposed a fundamentally new scheme for selling goods: now his friends could recommend the company's products to their friends, and Rehnborg paid those who brought new clients to the company. In 1947, future Amway founders Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel began working at Nutrilite Products. In 1972, Amway and Nutrilite merged, resulting in the formation of Amway, which has established itself as the world's first brand of organic goods. And all thanks to alfalfa!

Alfalfa: description of the crop and its application

Alfalfa is a very valuable and fairly widespread high-protein perennial crop throughout the world.
It is cultivated in the southern central zone of Russia, in Africa and in Eurasia as a forage plant. It can grow wild in the Balkans and Asia - mainly on forest edges, dry meadows, grassy slopes, pastures, steppes and river valleys. False alfalfa (Falcata) is the species name of the plant, given by the shape of its fruit. The popular name is lechukha, zorya, medunka and vyazil. This genus received its scientific name (Medicago) from the place where the plant was first discovered (the ancient country of Media), from where it came to Greece.

Alfalfa: description

A herbaceous perennial plant that can reach a height of up to 100 cm. Alfalfa has a thick taproot and well-developed lateral roots. The powerful root system of alfalfa significantly improves the structure of the soil, increases its water permeability, air permeability, and also promotes the accumulation of humus. Perennial species of this plant form numerous small tubers in the ground, from which young bushes subsequently develop.

Alfalfa has stems with four sides, branched and hollow. Its leaves are trifoliate, compound, with oblong or elliptical leaflets. The inflorescence is presented in the form of an elongated raceme, loose, with purple or blue flowers in the form of moths. Hybrids of this species have flowers of various colors, from purple to yellow. The flowering period of alfalfa occurs in June – July. The fruits are spirally twisted beans. The seeds are quite hard, bud-shaped, and brown in color.

Alfalfa: application

Alfalfa is called the ancestor of food on earth. Experts in the field of herbal medicine consider it an excellent source of minerals and vitamins. Only the above-ground part of this plant is used for medicinal purposes. Alfalfa is harvested during its flowering period. The grass is dried under shelters in the open air, spread out in an even layer up to three centimeters thick.

Alfalfa is rich in carbohydrates, ketones, organic acids, higher fatty acids, glycides, triterpinoids, steroids, essential oils, calcium, magnesium, iron, fluorine, potassium, silicon, chlorine, sodium, manganese, phosphorus, alkaloids, asparagine, coumestrol, estrogens , fructose, melonic and myristic acid. It contains saponins, stigmasterol, tocopherols, phenolcarboxylic acids, triasontanol, amino acids, anthocyanins, carbohydrates, vitamins K, C, B1, B12, B2, E, carotene, pantothenic acid and even vitamins D2 and D3, which are rarely found in plants.

Medicines containing alfalfa grass have a broad effect. They help normalize metabolism, have a positive effect on the thyroid gland, improve the condition of the circulatory system, increase hemoglobin and lower cholesterol levels, as well as prevent rickets and strengthen bones.

In addition, consuming alfalfa improves immunity, regulates the function of the pituitary gland (an appendage of the brain) and has an antitumor effect.

Alfalfa strengthens the body during various diseases, especially after operations and during the recovery period. It is an excellent diuretic. Thanks to the active compounds in its composition, alfalfa has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect against tuberculosis, arthritis and fungal diseases.

Alfalfa grass is rich in vitamin K, which prevents hemorrhages and bleeding. It is widely used for hemorrhagic syndrome. And the high fluoride content in alfalfa prevents the occurrence of caries.

Alfalfa is also recommended for coronary heart disease, obesity, colds, joint diseases, anemia, bronchial asthma, diabetes, dysfunction of the pancreas and thyroid glands.

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general characteristics

Alfalfa is a plant with an erect stem that can reach up to 120 centimeters in height. The plant can be either annual or perennial. Alfalfa boasts a powerful root system, and the root can penetrate the soil to a depth of ten meters.

Alfalfa leaves are trifoliate, the middle one is slightly larger than the lateral ones. The color scheme of the inflorescences varies - they can be all shades of blue, cyan and violet, as well as yellow or white. The fruits of alfalfa are beans of a brownish-brown hue.

The list of alfalfa species includes more than a hundred items. At the same time, only three of them are most widespread: sowing, hop-shaped and sickle-shaped.

Alfalfa, also called blue alfalfa, is distinguished by white or blue inflorescences. Also its distinctive characteristic is the stem and leaves covered with light fluff. The fruits of this species are twisted and resemble a snail shell in shape. The plant usually reaches about eighty centimeters in height.

Crescent alfalfa is also known as yellow alfalfa. Its height is up to one meter. A distinctive feature is the yellow flowers. The pods of this plant are curved, resembling a sickle in shape.

Hoppy alfalfa is an annual plant that reaches half a meter in height. The inflorescences are pale yellow.

Growing alfalfa

Sowing of alfalfa begins in the spring, when the soil has warmed up sufficiently and is saturated with moisture. Much depends directly on the climatic latitude and region; in most alfalfa sowings begin in April.

To get a decent harvest, you need to carefully prepare alfalfa seeds for sowing. Since the seeds have a hard shell, they are mechanically processed before sowing, removing the top layer, or ground with river sand.

When sowing occurs in small areas, the seeds are pre-soaked in water, then dried and pickled. Dressing is carried out with pesticides in the amount of 3.5 kg. per ton of seeds. For better germination, seeds are treated with sodium molybdate.

Alfalfa reacts quite capriciously to its predecessors.

The best predecessor crops before sowing are row crops and grain legumes. In turn, alfalfa is an ideal precursor for most plants in agriculture.

The key to harvest success is proper tillage of the arable land before sowing. Preparation begins in advance, with deep plowing, ridding the soil of weeds and harrowing. Plowing breaks up large clods, improves air exchange in the soil, and harrowing levels and fluffs the surface.

Alfalfa loves enriched soils; on such soils the plant will produce up to 4 cuttings, so organic matter (8 kg per square meter) and mineral fertilizers (55-65 grams per square meter of arable land) are applied before sowing.

Sowing begins at the beginning of spring. Alfalfa seeds are sown with a grain-grass seeder, reducing losses of the main and auxiliary crops. Alfalfa is often sown with auxiliary plants: rye or oats.

Assorted mixtures of three types of crops, such as red clover, timothy, cucumber, and fescue, have become widespread.

The norms for sowing alfalfa in grass mixtures per 1 hectare are about 5 million suitable seeds.

How to grow

Alfalfa is a plant that can be grown either in the garden or in the garden, or even without soil, depending on what purposes you plan to use it for.

So, if the plant is used as hay to feed animals, you will have to allocate a separate area for alfalfa in your summer cottage.

If you need alfalfa for medicinal purposes or for gastronomic needs, you can germinate sprouts from grass seeds using a regular container of water. Provided that the seeds are washed periodically, at least twice a day, and the water is changed regularly, the first shoots will appear within seven days. The main thing is not to forget that the sprouts will need to be thoroughly washed before use.

How to grow alfalfa

Alfalfa can be sown not only in spring, but also in summer. And even in early autumn. The plant is grown from seeds. Sowing is done in open ground most often in the spring, when it is saturated with moisture and warmed up well. It is important to choose an area for planting that is open and well-lit, since the shadow will significantly slow down the development of plants and contribute to the formation of lower growth. When planting alfalfa, it is advisable to provide fertile and well-drained soil with a slightly alkaline or neutral reaction.

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Features of planting alfalfa:

• Before planting seeds, the soil must be plowed or thoroughly dug up, since the roots of the plant will go deep into the ground for many meters. It is also necessary to loosen the soil, remove stones and clods, weeds and add lime;
• Since alfalfa seeds have a too hard shell, they are mechanically processed before sowing to remove the top layer. This is done because the hard shell prevents the penetration of moisture and the emergence of seedlings. For this, a special machine is used which can be replaced using coarse river sand;
• For sowing, seeds of class 1 and 2 are used, which are subjected to air-thermal heating before starting. If sowing is done in small areas, then before planting the seeds are soaked for a day in water, dried and treated with biological products to protect against infections;
• To plant seeds, form rows at a distance of forty centimeters from each other. This distance will ensure the plants have the best possible growth and pollination. To distribute the seeds evenly, they are mixed with fine sawdust or sand. When sowing large fields, beet seeders are usually used;
• When planting, alfalfa seeds should not be buried in the soil. They just need to be scattered;
• After sowing, it is important to avoid drying out the soil. Alfalfa tolerates short-term drought well. However, it develops better with constant irrigation of the land. But even with excessive humidity, powdery mildew can often develop. Everything is good in moderation, so drying out the top layer of soil is allowed;
• Young plants need protection from weeds; they need to be constantly weeded and hilled.

To obtain feed raw materials, alfalfa is regularly mowed. This is done the first time when the buds begin to form, and again when flowering. The plant tolerates harvesting quite easily and after a month and a half the plants begin to bloom again.

Methods of planting alfalfa: under cover

This method is suitable for cool and humid climates that do not experience drought. The intent of this planting method is to obtain additional production from the cover crop. It will also help prevent the field from becoming overgrown with weeds. The fact is that alfalfa in the first month of life is vulnerable and weak, so the plant most often does not produce rich harvests. And due to the planted oat-pea mixture or vetch, this is compensated for.

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Without cover

With this method, the seeds of the plant are simply scattered. Once along the ridge, the second time across.

Alfalfa can be grown as a separate crop or combined with other forage plants. Alfalfa goes well with red clover, as well as timothy. It is also possible to grow alfalfa simultaneously with oats, this allows you to get thicker and denser seedlings. After this, you can get a more abundant harvest of forage crops. However, before you start sowing alfalfa with other crops, you need to familiarize yourself with the peculiarities of their cultivation.

Crop care and harvesting

Due to the well-developed root system, the plant does not die in drought. Therefore, natural precipitation is usually sufficient. But excess drought can still affect plant growth. Artificial irrigation will help significantly increase yields.

Watering alfalfa

• The first watering of alfalfa is needed when the seedlings grow to fifteen centimeters;
• A second watering is necessary when buds begin to form;
• The third watering is done after harvesting in September.

The plant does not like excessive soil moisture. It is more drought resistant. If it was planted without cover, then it is necessary to rid the field of weeds, as well as of crust on the ground.

A significant increase in alfalfa yield can be achieved by using organic fertilizers. Phosphorus-potassium fertilizers have a good effect on plants. They not only promote rapid growth and proper development, but also significantly increase the resistance of plants to overwintering and excessive humidity. A lack of phosphorus in the early stages of the growing season leads to negative consequences for all years of plant life. Mineral fertilizers must be applied to the irrigated plant before watering.

Alfalfa can be mowed no lower than ten centimeters from the ground surface. This will help ensure rapid regrowth for the next harvest. The highest yield of plants for livestock feed is obtained by mowing alfalfa in the flowering phase, and a higher yield during budding.

Alfalfa is a useful and unpretentious plant that is used as a complete feed for livestock. It is used to enrich the soil with useful substances and is also used for medicinal purposes. To achieve results when growing alfalfa, it is necessary to study options for planting and caring for crops.

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About the author: Lyudmila Vasilievna Nosikova

Agronomist of the state agricultural enterprise "Garovskoe" of the Khabarovsk region of the Khabarovsk Territory.

Chemical composition and calorie content

The energy value of sprouted alfalfa seeds is 23 kcal per 100 g of product. The nutritional composition is as follows: 3.99 g protein, 0.69 g fat and 2.1 g carbohydrates.

If we talk about the chemical composition of alfalfa, it includes fatty acids, essential oils, pectins, chlorophyll, plant steroids, nicotinic and pantothenic acid, carotene, and enzymes.

Vitamin A (0.01 mg) has antiviral and bactericidal properties and can increase the overall resistance of the body. It is also a powerful antioxidant and plays the “first fiddle” in a number of redox processes. In addition, it is necessary for the beauty of hair and skin.

Vitamin B1 (0.13 mg) helps maintain a healthy state of the digestive system, helps stabilize the emotional background, normalizes appetite, and stimulates cognitive activity. This substance is necessary for the health of the heart muscle.

Vitamin B2 (0.48 mg) takes part in the normalization of the blood count. It also takes part in energy metabolism and helps to “accelerate” metabolism. This substance helps maintain healthy mucous membranes of the oral cavity, and also increases the regenerative properties of cells. The vitamin is also necessary for stabilizing the nervous system: it helps with increased anxiety and panic attacks.

Vitamin PP (0.08 mg) has a beneficial effect on blood microcirculation, takes part in the synthesis of enzymes and hormones, and is necessary for the proper absorption of vegetable protein entering the body with food. It also helps reduce levels of “bad” cholesterol in the blood.

Vitamin C (8.2 mg) is critically needed by the body during the “cold season.” It effectively increases overall tone and the ability to resist bacteria and viruses, improves the condition of the gallbladder, and takes part in the synthesis of collagen, which is responsible for the condition of bone and cartilage tissue. It also helps detoxify the body.

Sodium (6 mg) helps to establish water-salt metabolism and takes part in the synthesis of gastric juice. It is also able to dilate blood vessels, preventing their spasm, and normalizes blood pressure.

Potassium (79 mg) promotes cognitive activity and improves oxygen supply to the brain. It also has antihistamine properties, relieving allergies. In addition, it promotes the removal of excess fluid from the body, helping to prevent the occurrence of edema.

Calcium (32 mg) is responsible for the condition of bone and dental tissue. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, and is involved in the synthesis of a number of hormones and enzymes.

Magnesium (27 mg) helps prevent kidney and gallstones. It is also necessary for the endocrine system to function smoothly and is responsible for the condition of teeth and bones along with calcium.

Phosphorus (70 mg) is involved in energy metabolism and is necessary during periods of intellectual and emotional overload.

Iron (0.96 mg) promotes the formation of hemoglobin in the blood, it is necessary for the body to absorb vitamin B, increases the overall resistance of the body, and relieves chronic fatigue.

All of the above substances have endowed alfalfa with a wide range of medicinal properties. At the same time, in folk medicine it is used as the main ingredient in recipes designed to cope with a very impressive list of diseases.

Composition of alfalfa

The plant belongs to the legume family. The composition of alfalfa is rich in microelements, vitamins and acids that are beneficial for the body. The herb is safe to take internally even without additional processing, since all the substances in its composition are in an easily digestible form.

Dried alfalfa

A useful plant can saturate the human body with the following important components:

• vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D, E;
• phosphorus;
• nicotinic acid;
• potassium;
• iron;
• pantothenic acid;
• magnesium;
• fluorine

Medicinal properties

The healing properties of alfalfa have long been “adopted” by folk healers from different countries. Thus, the Indians used the herb to treat jaundice. Hindus used the herb as a remedy for sore joints. The Chinese consider lechuha as the main remedy for combating diseases of the digestive system. In Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania, due to the hormonal components present in the chemical composition of the herb, it is used to combat endocrine diseases.

Alfalfa is truly beneficial for almost all organs and systems of the body. It’s not for nothing that biologist Frank Beauvoir calls this plant “the great healer” in his works.

This plant contains chlorophyll, the molecular formula of which is similar to that of hemoglobin. In addition to the fact that chlorophyll helps maintain the blood formula, it is also able to bind toxins, helping to cleanse the body.

The isoflavones contained in alfalfa are phytoestrogens, which can alleviate the condition of women experiencing menopause.

The diuretic and mild laxative properties of alfalfa help remove excess fluid from the body, preventing the occurrence of edema and the development of gout.

Alfalfa is an effective remedy for reducing the presence of uric acid in the body. It can be deposited in the joints in the form of salts, which can lead to inflammation and pain in the joints. Therefore, this plant can be considered as a remedy for the prevention of arthritis.

Saponins contained in alfalfa have anticoagulant properties, preventing the formation of blood clots, and also reduce blood cholesterol levels.

Alfalfa can improve digestion, it promotes the breakdown and absorption of fats. Young shoots of alfalfa will help those who suffer from flatulence and heartburn and will prevent the development of putrefactive processes in the intestines.

Freshly squeezed alfalfa juice is a remedy that improves body tone, stimulates the immune system, and is used to prevent heart disease.

The chemical composition of the herb contains vitamin U, which has the property of healing the gastric mucosa during gastritis and peptic ulcers.

Crop care and beneficial properties of alfalfa

If a gardener follows all the rules and regulations of agricultural technology, then he is unlikely to encounter any difficulties in growing alfalfa. Like any other agricultural plants, alfalfa must be watered in a timely manner and also protected from the spread of weeds. You should also protect alfalfa from pests and diseases, especially during the growing season, and this can be done by applying fertilizing and fertilizers. All measures, if followed and carried out in combination, will allow you to get at least three cuttings of alfalfa in one season, which means the harvest will be as numerous as possible.

In the very first year, alfalfa should be watered when the seedlings reach a height of about thirteen centimeters, no less. Water is added in moderate quantities, and thanks to this, the plant will be able to enter the next stage of its development - strong and decorative buds will begin to form abundantly, and the second watering is carried out precisely during the period of their active formation. After the first mowing, the green mass of alfalfa will grow even in not the most favorable, dry conditions, but this process can be accelerated by adding a more abundant amount of liquid to the soil. Irrigation is also very important for alfalfa, which grows in dry regions with a dry climate, since sometimes precipitation falls there very rarely and is not enough for the crop to grow and develop normally. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that prolonged precipitation and prolonged rains have a bad effect on crops, since the soil becomes swampy, but alfalfa cannot tolerate this at all, which leads to the plant rotting and dying.

If alfalfa is located in an area with not the deepest groundwater, then it can be watered only a couple of times during the entire growing season. If the soil was also saturated with nutrients before sowing, then during growth the alfalfa may not be fed at all. The exception is soils that are too depleted and poor, which simply require the gardener to add additional fertilizing. At the same time, alfalfa is completely unpretentious to organic matter and also unpretentious to minerals. In order for the green mass to become more lush and saturated, it needs the gardener to add nitrogen-containing components, as well as phosphorus and potassium, to the soil. All this is part of agrotechnical measures that are important for the normal and proper growth and development of alfalfa.

If the gardener wants the plant to become more decorative and to speed up the regrowth of mowed areas, then it is worth adding phosphorus-containing fertilizers, and after about 10-14 days, also adding nitrogen. Thanks to this, the plant will be stimulated, it will grow much faster, which means flowering will occur faster, it will be more abundant, and a large number of new seeds will appear. You should not fertilize the soil, which, in principle, is initially quite nutritious and fertile. In this case, you don’t have to apply fertilizers or fertilizing at all, since the soil doesn’t need them. But oversaturation can also lead to quite sad consequences - the plant will get sick, demonstrating in all appearances that it does not like such conditions at all.

Weeds are exactly what must be constantly combated, and this procedure is mandatory in caring activities and in alfalfa agricultural technology. Weeds should be mowed if they reach a height of approximately 16 centimeters. You can adjust the volume of cuts; everything will depend solely on the size of the plant itself. You can apply a drug called eptam, which perfectly fights weeds and prevents weeds from growing again and again. In addition, it is a fairly inexpensive, effective and reliable product that will be available to every gardener.

Alfalfa is a very useful crop that is used in agriculture as feed mixture and hay. Alfalfa is also used as an ingredient in pharmacology. The herb is excellent for preparing drugs such as Alfalfin, Anticholesterol and Meishi, and many others. These drugs help lower cholesterol levels in the blood, normalize the digestive system, and also help in emergency cases if intestinal disorders suddenly occur. The drugs are generally indicated for both adults and children, but it is recommended to consult with doctors before using them. Thus, alfalfa is an excellent planting, which is distinguished by its unpretentiousness and versatility, and this is very important in modern gardening and pharmacology. This plant blooms and grows very profusely, making it ideal for future hay harvests to feed livestock, horses and other farm animals. It has unique features and characteristics, and therefore alfalfa is distributed almost everywhere today.

Use in cooking

The Arabs have long called alfalfa “the mother of all food.” Moreover, in Europe for a long time this crop was considered exclusively forage. It was given to horses in the belief that it increased their endurance.

In cooking, alfalfa was first used to decorate dishes that were served on the festive table. Thus, in Victorian England, bright alfalfa flowers were used to decorate salads and snacks.

Only over time did the plant become a full-fledged component of the diet. They started preparing a salad from fresh sprouts and adding them to soup. Fresh juice is also prepared from the young shoots of honeydew.

Alfalfa tops are dried and then used to prepare medicinal infusions and decoctions. The seeds are used to make flour, which is used in baking bread and cookies. In the Balkans, alfalfa inflorescences are cooked in batter, like cauliflower.

Please note that before using alfalfa to prepare a salad, it must be soaked for a quarter of an hour in a liter of boiled water with the addition of a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. This will help remove the bitter taste characteristic of lechuha.

Preparing a green smoothie to boost immunity

In the summer, you can treat yourself to a delicious and healthy alfalfa-based cocktail. It will not only quench your thirst perfectly, but will also become a real vitamin “bomb”.

To prepare it you will need fresh honey grass, nettle leaves, green onions, sorrel, parsley, celery and broccoli. All ingredients should be crushed and then placed in a blender. Beat until the mixture becomes homogeneous. After this, dilute with cool water, add honey to taste and consume 50-100 g.

Making alfalfa casserole

To prepare this dish you will need: 700 g of young alfalfa shoots, 125 g of wheat flour, 100 g of butter, 300 ml of milk, 50 g of sharp cheese, 50 g of rice, a couple of eggs, salt and pepper to taste.

Wash the alfalfa shoots thoroughly and boil in salted water for a quarter of an hour. After that, drain them in a colander, rinse them with cold water, let them drain, and then chop them finely.

Boil the rice in salted water and rinse.

In a separate pan, heat the butter and sauté the flour. Add alfalfa and rice there. Saute for five minutes, stirring constantly, then pour in warm milk.

Salt and pepper. Grease a saucepan with oil and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Place the casserole mixture there, pour in beaten eggs, sprinkle with grated cheese and bake in the oven until done.

Making alfalfa green soup

To prepare this dish you will need: one and a half glasses of chopped alfalfa, one carrot, one egg, half a glass of flour, two tablespoons of butter, one and a half liters of water, salt to taste and dill.

Bring the water to a boil, boil the pre-chopped carrots in it. Knead the dough by mixing flour and egg. Using a damp spoon, tear off pieces of dough and drop them into boiling water. Once the dumplings float, add the alfalfa to the soup. Boil for another five minutes, add oil. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped dill.

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• Alfalfa as green manure

It saturates the soil with nitrogen and nutrients - a good fertilizer for humus plants. It has phytosanitary properties - it will get rid of litter and nematodes, and it is a godsend for earthworms and beneficial bacteria for the soil! It is very useful for many vegetables and fruit trees. The time for planting green manure is early spring. The soil needs to be loosened (25 centimeters). The depth of planting in bulk is 1 - 3 cm. Alfalfa consumption (norm) is 1.0 - 1.5 grams per square meter, about 100 - 150 g per hundred square meters.

For 15 acres it takes about 4 kilograms of honeydew; it can be sown together with sand, mixed in half.

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For these purposes, blue or seed alfalfa is used . It is frost-resistant, blooms from June 15 for about 40 days. You need to sow the seeds very early, having thoroughly cultivated the soil beforehand. From one hectare (hectare) you can collect about 300 kg of honey. This is with good watering. And without watering - 30 kilograms. Honey from this plant crystallizes quickly and has an amber hue .

Traditional medicine recipes

Traditional healers know many recipes, the main ingredient of which is alfalfa.

For diseases of the cardiovascular system

It is necessary to prepare an infusion of six tablespoons of dry raw materials and 500 liters of water. After six hours, filter and drink one-fourth of a glass before breakfast, lunch and dinner. The duration of the course is one month.

For the treatment of diabetes

Pour two teaspoons of dry honey grass into a glass of boiling water, then keep in a water bath for a quarter of an hour. After the decoction has been infused in a warm place for an hour, filter and drink within 24 hours.

For neuroses

Add 2 tablespoons of dry herb, sickle-shaped lungwort, to 300 ml of water. Boil for ten minutes, then pour into a thermos and let brew for three hours. Then the broth must be filtered and drunk three times a day, 100 ml each.

For joint pain

Pour 5 tablespoons of dry raw materials with 500 ml of vodka. The product must infuse for fourteen days. After this, you should take ten drops of tincture in 50 ml of water twice a day, thirty minutes before meals.

To increase lactation

To improve lactation, nursing mothers should add a quarter teaspoon of dried honey herb to regular black tea. The duration of the course is five days.

For bruises and insect bites

Mix crushed lecha seeds with water to form a paste. Apply it to the affected area. Soon the pain will subside and the swelling will go away.

For weight loss

A decoction prepared from 200 g of young shoots poured into two glasses of boiling water will help significantly reduce appetite. The infusion should be taken a quarter of an hour before meals.

How to take alfalfa and preparation methods

In alternative medicine, alfalfa seeds, sprouts, roots and juice are used. Each form of medication has a specific dosage regimen and indications. For the medicine to be effective, you must follow the rules and recipe for its preparation.

Tincture

Alcohol tincture is often used in the treatment of joint diseases. It is used for rubbing and preparing compresses. Internal use of the tincture is indicated for insomnia and nervous tension.

Components:

• 1 tbsp. l. honeydew powder;
• 500 ml vodka.

Recipe:

1. The raw materials are poured into a dark glass bottle and filled with vodka.
2. The medicine is infused in a dark place for 2 weeks. The container must be shaken once every 2-3 days.
3. Before use, filter the product.
4. Take 10 drops half an hour before meals.

Alfalfa tincture should not be used if you have liver disease.

Tea

Alfalfa tea is recommended to drink to boost immunity and as a rejuvenating effect. It has invigorating and tonic properties. In addition, tea perfectly quenches thirst and has a pleasant taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. l. alfalfa;
• 500 ml water.

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Cooking steps:

1. The raw materials are poured into a kettle and poured with boiling water.
2. Cover the container with a lid and leave for 15 minutes.
3. After infusion, the drink is poured into cups. If desired, you can add honey to it.

If desired, you can add lemon or sugar to honey tea.

We recommend reading: Tea with thyme: beneficial properties and contraindications

Decoction

The herbal decoction has a whole range of beneficial properties. It replenishes the supply of vitamins and minerals, thereby strengthening the immune system. At the same time, blood pressure stabilizes and the digestion process normalizes.

Components:

• 100 g alfalfa;
• 500 ml water.

Cooking process:

1. The dried plant is poured with water and placed on fire.
2. After boiling, keep the remedy on low heat for 10 minutes.
3. After removing from the stove, the broth is cooled and then filtered.
4. Take 80-100 ml 3 times a day.

A healthy decoction of alfalfa can be used to speed up weight loss

Advice! The course of treatment with alfalfa should last no more than 1 month. After the break, treatment can be continued.

Application in cosmetology

Alfalfa is a plant that has found wide application in cosmetology. Manufacturers of skin and hair care products have appreciated the chemical composition of honeydew.

First of all, alfalfa is very rich in phytonutrients: vitamins, proteins, minerals and chlorophyll. All these substances have proven themselves to be very effective components of cosmetics. For example, arginine, tryptophan and theronine help protect the skin from the adverse effects of external factors and promote the rapid healing of small wounds.

Phytoestrogens saponins are antioxidants that are highly active and slow down the aging process of the skin.

Alfalfa is often called a “natural bioactivator of collagen synthesis.” So far, researchers have not been able to confirm that the substances contained in this plant actually stimulate the production of this important protein. However, the theory that alfalfa stimulates the regeneration of connective tissue and also has an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect has been confirmed. These properties make it possible to use alfalfa extract as an emollient that accelerates metabolism in the epidermis and promotes rapid tissue healing in case of damage.

Alfalfa can also be used as a means of stimulating hair growth and strengthening its structure.

This plant is also used as an auxiliary ingredient in foaming cosmetics due to the fact that saponins are natural foaming agents. In addition, alfalfa extract can act as a thickener and coloring agent.

Thus, the main properties of alfalfa as an ingredient in cosmetics are:

1. The ability to protect the skin from the influence of adverse external factors.
2. Softening and moisturizing skin suffering from dehydration.
3. Effective fight against various inflammations, rashes, irritation, rapid healing of wounds, prevention of peeling.
4. Delicate and effective cleansing thanks to antiseptic properties.
5. Stimulates hair growth, restores its structure, fights dandruff.

However, the use of cosmetics containing alfalfa is not recommended for those with very fair skin. The thing is that the substances contained in the extract of this plant can provoke so-called photosensitivity, which can manifest itself as unaesthetic spots on the skin when exposed to sunlight.

If we talk about industrially produced cosmetics, alfalfa extract is usually present in tonics, lotions and other cleansing products. It can also be added to medicinal creams for facial skin. Alfalfa extract is widely used by Lancôme - it is present in the nourishing masks and intensive serums of this brand.

You can also use alfalfa as an ingredient in homemade face masks. So, a rejuvenating mask has proven itself well, which can be made by mixing a tablespoon of dry alfalfa grass crushed to a powder, a little boiling water and the same amount of honey. The resulting mixture should have the consistency of a thick paste. After thoroughly stirring it, apply to the skin of the face, avoiding the area around the lips and eyes. After a quarter of an hour, rinse with cool water. This procedure should be repeated twice a week. As a result, skin tone will increase, wrinkles will become less noticeable, and swelling will go away.

Those with aging skin are recommended to wash their face with alfalfa decoction - with regular use of this cosmetic, fine wrinkles disappear, the skin becomes silky and elastic. You can also make cosmetic ice from alfalfa decoction.

To make your hair healthier and improve its structure, after washing your hair, try rinsing your hair with alfalfa infusion. After just a few procedures, hair loss will become less intense, your curls will become shiny and take on a well-groomed appearance.

Description of the plant, its types

Alfalfa is a perennial plant intended as a seed crop and belongs to the legume family. In nature, alfalfa can be found as a wild plant, which is generally completely unpretentious and not demanding when it comes to caring procedures and agricultural technology. The root system of alfalfa is very strong and thick; the roots lie quite deep in the soil, so you should make sure that watering is effective. The stem of the plant is straight, stable, covered from bottom to top with a large number of leaves, which are planted quite densely. The height of the stem usually reaches 85 centimeters, no more. The inflorescences can have blue and blue shades, they are collected in not very large tassels. Flowering usually occurs in summer. As for the fruits that grow on the bushes, these are usually hooked beans that finally ripen around August.

In general, alfalfa is a plant whose homeland is considered to be the Asian continent. In wild, natural conditions, the plant can most often be found in the Balkans and in different regions of Russia. In particular, alfalfa loves to grow near bodies of water, as well as in forest edges and meadows. Alfalfa was originally intended as a feed source for livestock, and in general this remains its most basic purpose. The horticultural crop has been known practically since the sixth century, and it was planted abundantly in order to then be mowed for horse feed. Over time, the food crop began to be consumed by many other animals, and gardeners began to plant alfalfa in even greater quantities, since this plant seemed to them incredibly attractive, unpretentious and very effective.

Alfalfa can be considered both as a cultivated plant and as a wild species. In both cases, there are about a hundred varieties of alfalfa, which are known today and are quite popular. When grown wild, the plant is tall and can reach one meter in height. If alfalfa is grown in agriculture, then it is used as feed material for birds and livestock, but alfalfa can also differ in that it has a huge number of beneficial and nutritional properties for humans. Alfalfa becomes a component of biologically active additives (dietary supplements), and is also included in homeopathic preparations and cosmetic products, which today are used almost everywhere throughout the world, for which alfalfa has received even greater recognition.

Of course, it is worth mentioning that alfalfa has numerous species, each of which has its own special characteristics and properties, and today the following varieties are distinguished:

- sickle alfalfa is a yellow type of alfalfa. It grows as a tall and erect plant, and this alfalfa got its name precisely due to the color of its inflorescences. The crop can bloom with very small flowers, which are painted in an attractive yellow shade; the flowers are collected in tassels. As for the feed productivity of this type of alfalfa, it is at an average level; in general, the cuttings are not so productive, although this variety is still very popular due to the fact that the plant is completely unpretentious and very useful, even in small quantities.

- a hop-like type of alfalfa - this plant is characterized by medium growth, while the stem is erect, the end of flowering is the formation of pods of a dark, almost black color, seeds are located inside the pods. This species is used primarily to form the fodder base for agricultural livestock, which at the same time receive a sufficient amount of not only nutrition, but also nutrients and vitamins, which are precisely contained in alfalfa.

- blue alfalfa - it also includes several well-known and widespread plant subspecies - Caucasian, Central Asian and Indian alfalfa, as well as subspecies such as European and Mediterranean alfalfa, which have their own characteristics and characteristics. What all these subspecies have in common is that they are winter-hardy and frost-resistant, they grow incredibly quickly, you can carry out not one, but several cuttings at once, each of which will be equally useful and effective in what alfalfa was originally intended for.

Variable alfalfa is another species that we will look at in this article. This is a very resilient plant when compared to many other alfalfa species and varieties. During the growing season, this species is capable of producing not one, or even two mowings, but three full-fledged mowings, which are truly incredibly useful and interesting. Of all the species, variable alfalfa is considered the most productive; it tolerates dry periods, sudden temperature changes, and drops in temperature well, without losing its properties or productivity. I would also like to touch on the northern species of alfalfa - this species tolerates low temperatures and frosts well, and also takes root well in marshy soils, which cannot be said about many other varieties and types of alfalfa. This species grows mainly in northern latitudes, settling in river openings, near lakes and reservoirs. It has root shoot subspecies, which are also quite common, and at the same time have their own specifics and characteristics. Any alfalfa is a sown species that can satisfy certain agricultural needs.

The alfalfa variety called Sparta is a hybrid alfalfa variety that was specially bred by breeders. It was obtained through numerous crossings, and as a result, crossing such varieties as the Slavyansky variety and alfalfa of the Langensteiner variety turned out to be ideal. The variety originates from the blue variety of alfalfa, has been planted for agricultural purposes since about the 80s of the 20th century, and has already gained particular demand and popularity among gardeners and flower growers, as it has a huge number of advantages. It is an upright, standing plant that may lie down slightly when it reaches its maximum height. Lodging also occurs due to the fact that the bush gradually falls apart and becomes very heavy. It can reach a height of 95 centimeters, sometimes a whole meter, if the variety grows in the most favorable and suitable conditions.

The inflorescences are cylindrical in shape, usually collected in tassels that reach one centimeter, the color of the flowers themselves can be any shade of blue, sometimes there are dark purple or lilac flowers that look quite attractive and, at the same time, quite unusual. The beans are medium in size, hidden in a shell, which is distinguished by its loose texture, but the beans are still held quite tightly there. The root system of this alfalfa variety is very well developed, and therefore during the growing season you can get as many as four cuttings, if, of course, you take care of the plant and satisfy its most minimal needs. The green mass of alfalfa grows very quickly; the gardener makes the first mowings approximately 75-80 days after the alfalfa was sown in open ground. The variety contains approximately 22% vegetable protein, and is therefore considered one of the most nutritious and popular. It is also worth noting that this variety of alfalfa is not at all susceptible to one of the most dangerous diseases - brown spot: it is not afraid of it, since alfalfa is distinguished by a high level of immunity and stress resistance.

A hybrid variety called Bagheera was developed in the 80s, and it appeared as a result of long work by breeders on crossing hybrids of blue alfalfa and alfalfa. This variety can reach about one meter in height, the plant is bushy, has a straight, erect shape, and can develop up to forty stems, which are distinguished by their thickness and incredible strength. The leaves of the variety are round, light green in color, and look very bright and attractive. The inflorescences of the bush are very dense, colored blue, the size of one brush can be approximately 5.5 centimeters, the beans also have a spiral shape, colored brown when they reach their maximum maturity. The seeds are green, slightly yellowish in color. The variety as a whole is particularly resistant to the problem of bush lodging, and therefore it is from this variety that the highest quality hay can be made. The yield per hectare can reach approximately 65 tons, and sometimes more. Dry matter accounts for approximately 11% of protein, the variety is distinguished by its resistance to the development of various diseases, putrefactive formations, and in principle it is valued by gardeners and gardeners, those who raise livestock, and they should be in constant search for materials to feed animals.

Alfalfa variety Fairy - this variety was bred by domestic breeders who sought to obtain productive alfalfa that would produce an excellent harvest even in not the most favorable conditions. The variety was later classified as blue-hybrid variable alfalfa, but still it has a large number of features and characteristics that indicate that this alfalfa is unique. This variety has inherited many positive characteristics from its parents. It is quite resistant to sudden temperature changes, and at the same time it tolerates short-term droughts well, if they suddenly happen. The variety has been grown recently - since about 2011, and due to the fact that it has a huge number of positive traits and characteristics, it is very common in various regions of Russia, especially in the south.

The stems of the plant are very strong, even a little rough. They are entirely covered with small leaves; the height can sometimes reach one and a half meters. Flowering is carried out by delicate purple flowers, the inflorescences are cylindrical in shape. The seeds are yellow in color and are thrown out on their own, so this variety is classified as self-sowing. For some, this is an advantage, and some gardeners see this as a significant drawback of this variety, so it’s worth thinking about before planting this particular alfalfa. You can mow alfalfa during the period of active budding. During the entire growing season of this variety, three mowings can be made, no more, and the yield is approximately 62 tons of alfalfa per hectare of plantings. The choice of the type and variety of alfalfa depends entirely on what the gardener himself would like to achieve, and depends on his personal capabilities in growing this or that variety or species, so gardeners and flower growers never give specific recommendations on this matter.

Alfalfa is usually sown in the spring, when the soil is sufficiently warm and saturated with moisture. Much will also depend on the region in which alfalfa will be sown, and the time of planting will depend on this. As a rule, alfalfa is universally sown in open ground already in April, so we can say that this time is suitable for any varieties and types of alfalfa; in order for the gardener to get a decent harvest, it is necessary to take care in advance of preparing the seeds for sowing in open ground priming. Since the seeds have a fairly dense shell, they should be processed mechanically before sowing. To do this, the seeds are removed from the top layer and also ground with river sand.

If alfalfa is sown in too small areas, the seeds should first be soaked in water and then dried. After drying, the seeds are treated with special substances - these are pesticides, which are calculated as 3.5 kilograms of the drug per ton of seeds, and from here it is worth starting from calculating the correct dosage. In order for the germination of seeds to be much higher, it is also recommended to treat the seeds with sodium molybdenum, since it is considered one of the most suitable for this crop. Alfalfa can react very capriciously to predecessors, and best takes root in an area where row crops or crops belonging to the leguminous family previously grew. Alfalfa is also an excellent precursor if we are talking about many plants that grow in agriculture.

In order for the harvest to be as successful and numerous as possible, it is necessary to properly cultivate the arable land before sowing the plants. Prepare the site in advance; to do this, you should inspect it very carefully, get rid of weeds and other vegetation, and also harrow the ground. Using plowing, it is necessary to remove very large and heavy clods of earth, since this will make the soil looser and better enriched with oxygen and moisture. Alfalfa does well in enriched and fertile soils, and if the plant grows on such soils, you can get about four cuttings in one season. In order for this to happen, it is recommended to add organic additives and fertilizers to the soil before sowing alfalfa, and ideally, some mineral mixtures and fertilizers are also suitable, which combine well with organic ones and provide comprehensive nutrition to the crop.

Sowing is carried out from the very beginning of the spring period, the seeds are sown using a special device - a seeder, and it is possible to reduce possible losses that apply to both the main and auxiliary crops of agriculture. Alfalfa, in principle, can be sown with some auxiliary plants, among which oats and rye stand out. About five million suitable seeds can be planted per hectare, which will demonstrate excellent growth and development results. If alfalfa is sown for spring crops, as well as annuals, then pre-sowing treatment and soil rolling may not be carried out; alfalfa will already feel great in the existing soil composition. You can sow alfalfa using a disc coulter, but it is also worth keeping in mind that depth stops are extremely important in this case. When alfalfa is sown, the gardener uses the ordinary sowing method, leaving approximately 11-14 centimeters of distance between the rows.

You can use a method such as coverless sowing, but it is used only in those areas of arable land where the gardener previously used measures and procedures to prevent the occurrence of abundant weed growths. It is also worth keeping in mind that maintaining the distance between rows is very important. If the row spacing is smaller, this will lead to denser plantings, and may negatively affect the alfalfa yield itself - it will become much smaller, more depleted, and in general the plantings will feel less comfortable in such conditions. If alfalfa is grown in order to then use it as feed for livestock, then the width of the rows can be reduced slightly - the maximum will be 11 centimeters. If alfalfa is grown as a future seed crop, then the row spacing should be about half a meter so that the stem develops well in these conditions, and to prevent possible lodging of the bushes, since they can grow very actively. In general, these standards should be observed exactly until the seeds finally ripen.

Harm and contraindications

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Like any plants, alfalfa can provoke an individual intolerance reaction, so people prone to allergies should exercise caution when using honeydew in any form.

Contraindications to the use of alfalfa are also any autoimmune diseases, gall bladder problems and pancreatitis. Alfalfa seed oil should be excluded from the diet of pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under twelve years of age.

In addition, gastroenterologists recommend taking a course of medications containing bifidobacteria before starting to use alfalfa for treatment. This will make it easier for the stomach to cope with the high fiber content in honeydew, as a result of which it will be possible to avoid flatulence and stool upset.

Alfalfa as green manure

Alfalfa as a fertilizer
Green fertilizers (green manure) are indispensable assistants for farmers and gardeners. Plants such as alfalfa are extremely useful in controlling weeds due to their dense vegetation. Green fertilizers prevent the growth of unwanted parasitic crops, thereby creating favorable conditions for agricultural development.

Green manure saturates the soil with useful substances and creates a protective film on the surface of the earth from adverse weather conditions. The root system of alfalfa is excellent food for microbes and worms, which enrich the soil with nitrogen. In addition, the plant can be used even on heavily depleted areas of land. The grass does not require special care - anyone can apply green fertilizer.

How to properly harvest alfalfa

In order for honey grass to retain all its beneficial properties, it is harvested during the flowering period. The shoots should be cut with a sharp knife. At the same time, in order for the plant not to die, at least half of the bush must remain intact.

Dry alfalfa in a place protected from light with good air circulation. It is best to form small bunches of grass and hang them so that the grass dries evenly. Dry raw materials should be stored in linen bags in a cool place protected from sunlight. Dry alfalfa retains its medicinal properties throughout the year.

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Alfalfa treatment

Alfalfa tea
Due to its healing properties, alfalfa grass is widely used in medicine and pharmacology. The plant reduces cholesterol levels, removes toxins and waste, which helps quickly cleanse the body in case of various diseases of the digestive system. It is recommended for the fairer sex to take this herb to normalize hormonal levels during menopause. Medicinal herb is indicated for:

• anemia;
• prostatitis;
• ophthalmological diseases;
• nervousness;
• anemia;
• constipation;
• cold;
• abrasions and bruises;
• hemorrhoids;
• joint diseases;
• skin problems;
• diabetes mellitus;
• ailments of the urinary system.

A plant from the legume family is successfully used to stimulate milk production in women during lactation. For these purposes, nursing mothers are prescribed to drink tea with alfalfa. The herb has a pronounced calming effect, which is extremely useful for pregnant or lactating women. Its ground leaves are a hemostatic agent if you apply the powder to the site of a cut, wound or hematoma.

Use as a prophylactic agent

Herbal infusion with alfalfa
Many doctors recommend using herbal infusions with alfalfa to boost immunity. Taking infusions is absolutely safe and helps to naturally stimulate the body's defense reactions. Naturopaths recommend using a medicinal plant to combat insomnia - you can brew both fresh and dry herbs. Alfalfa has an anti-inflammatory effect and is indicated for patients in the postoperative period.

A plant from the legume family is useful for colds. The diuretic properties of the herb promote the rapid removal of toxins from the body. Regular intake of sprouted alfalfa seeds is considered an excellent preventive measure that helps:

• normalize metabolism;
• increase hemoglobin levels;
• strengthen the blood supply system.

When to sow alfalfa

Alfalfa is a famous agricultural crop. Certain varieties of it are grown as vegetables and used in food, for example, in salads. Since ancient times, seed alfalfa has been considered an ideal feed for livestock, because it is characterized by excellent digestibility and a high protein content. At the moment it is grown almost everywhere.

Alfalfa sowing application

More than 50 varieties of seed alfalfa are known, only a few of which are widely used in agriculture. They vary in resistance to cold, drought, disease and alkaline conditions.

Alfalfa is an excellent green fertilizer that produces high yields and, if sprayed, can produce from 70 to 120 tons of green parts or 20 to 40 tons of hay per hectare in 8 to 10 mowings. The symbiosis of nitrogen-fixing nodule bacteria allows the accumulation of atmospheric nitrogen in the roots and residues of alfalfa remaining after mowing.

In just 3 years of life, alfalfa accumulates an amount of nitrogen similar to 40 - 60 tons of manure (up to 300 kg of nitrogen per 1 hectare). Once rotted and decomposed, alfalfa biomass is considered a light fertilizer that forms humus that enriches the soil. Alfalfa reduces soil acidity, increases nutrient content and dramatically improves soil structure.

Seed alfalfa is an excellent choice as a precursor for grains, cotton and other crops. Over the next five years you will feel the effects of alfalfa.

Alfalfa for green mass

Green mass is a valuable dietary food containing many vitamins and proteins. This food is especially useful for young animals. It is worth immediately noting that the quality of green mass depends on what phase of its development the plant is in.

The increased content of protein, carotene and other useful substances appears in the budding phase and at the beginning of plant flowering. As a plant ages, the nutritional content decreases and the fiber content increases. For this reason, the food becomes less nutritious, rougher, and the animals eat it worse.

The best option is to mow alfalfa for animal feed when it buds or at the beginning of flowering. When there is enough moisture, alfalfa grows quickly and can be re-mowed just a month after the previous cut. Alfalfa, when to sow the crop?

When to sow alfalfa in spring or fall

From the following materials we will learn when to sow seed alfalfa. Alfalfa is sown with seeds cleared of weeds. For feed, alfalfa is sown under cover or without it, as well as in grass mixtures or in pure form. The row spacing can be from 15 to 45 centimeters. The main type of seeders that are used for planting alfalfa seeds are S3TN-46, S3T-3, 6, SLT-3, 6 and other types.

The sowing depth is very important and depends quite heavily on the type of soil. A common mistake farmers make is deep sowing, as a result of which alfalfa rarely germinates or does not sprout at all. To repeat the mistakes of others, the sowing depth should not be more than two cm on heavy soils and 3–4 cm on chestnut, quick-drying and black soils.

An important technique for farmers is to roll the soil after sowing. This promotes contact between the seeds and the soil and is also necessary to prevent the alfalfa seedlings from drying out.

In order to determine the sowing date, several factors must be taken into account. To do this, take into account the temperature, the likelihood of precipitation, the crop structure, the amount of moisture in the soil, the method of spraying, weediness and the date of harvest. It is worth remembering that no single date can be optimal for all regions.

For all areas of growing alfalfa, the seeding rate is the same - 6 - 8 million seeds per 1 hectare. When sowing alfalfa under cover, the seeding rate is reduced by 20%. If you mix alfalfa with cereals and sow on slopes, then the rate should be 60 - 80% of the total. Cereal grass seeds in the mixture should not exceed 30 - 40% of their total sowing rate. This can be explained by the fact that they actively bush and if they are sown more than the norm, they can kill alfalfa, and next year you will not see alfalfa in the field.

How to care for seeded Alfalfa

The main and very important way to care for sown alfalfa is harrowing. Thanks to this measure, aeration is improved, the activity of aerobic bacteria is enhanced, moisture supply and the volume of nutrients are increased. If there is a long drought and the soil dries out, harrowing is not carried out.

In practice, it has been proven that to increase the growth rate of alfalfa, as well as to increase the yield, it will be useful to use a plant fertilizer called “Furor”. The consumption rate is 5 liters per hectare, and fertilizer must be applied before harrowing. Fertilizing plants and harrowing are closely related processes that allow you to provide more benefits to plants.

Alfalfa description

Alfalfa has both annual and perennial species forms. The stems begin to branch from the very base or at the top, forming a low-growing branched shrub. The rhizome is quite dense and strong, capable of penetrating into the ground to great depths and contains a network of lateral branches. They accumulate useful substances that are difficult for plants with superficial rhizomes to extract. Some representatives of the genus have basal shoots located in the horizontal direction. Since alfalfa belongs to the legume group, its roots are also covered with nodules where nitrogen-fixing bacteria live. The functions of bacteria are to process nitrogen and enrich the soil with nutrients.

The shoots are strewn with petiolate leaves, which are connected individually into round rosettes. Each leaf is attached to a separate petiole. The central segment looks longer compared to the rest of the leaves. The edges are jagged. The inside of the plates are covered with short pile.

Closer to the top of the bush, inflorescences-tassels or capitate buds in the shape of a cylinder open on the shoots. The size of the flowers is from 1.5 to 8 cm. The corollas are formed from the petals and externally resemble a swallowtail or a moth. The petals grow together from below. The inflorescences are held on long stalks with pistils and stamens. The buds at the bottom of the peduncle bloom first. The color of alfalfa is predominantly blue, purple or yellow. However, there are also hybrid varieties with variegated colors. The budding process occurs two months after the alfalfa seeds are in the soil, and continues for 3 or 4 weeks. Flowering of one brush lasts about 10 days. Every day 3-5 fresh buds are born.

Flowers are pollinated by insects. In place of the pollinated buds, beans are formed, colored brown or brown. The shape of the fruit is in the form of a moon or a spiral. The bean cavity is filled with small yellow or brownish bean-shaped seeds. The seed skin is dense and does not allow moisture to pass through well.