Lucerne / Alfalfa
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Lucerne/Alfalfa is a perennial legume used as a forage crop. The leafy nature ensures a palatable, nutrient rich food source, which is why it is often referred to as “the queen of forage crops”. Its deep taproot system makes it especially resistant to drought, requiring rainfall as low as 400 mm per annum.
Description
Lucerne, scientifically known as Medicago sativa and commonly referred to as alfalfa, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the legume family Fabaceae. Native to central Asia, lucerne has been cultivated for centuries for its value as a forage crop, green manure, and soil conditioner. It is widely grown in various regions worldwide due to its adaptability to different climates and soil types.
Characteristics: Lucerne is characterized by its deep taproot system, which can reach depths of up to several meters, making it drought-tolerant and able to access nutrients from deep within the soil. The plant has trifoliate leaves with serrated edges and produces clusters of small purple flowers on erect stems. Lucerne can grow to heights of 1 to 1.5 meters, with dense foliage providing excellent forage for grazing animals.
Forage Value: Lucerne/Alfalfa is highly valued as a forage crop for livestock due to its high protein content, digestibility, and nutrient density. It is commonly used as hay, silage, or fresh pasture for feeding cattle, sheep, horses, and other grazing animals. Lucerne provides a rich source of energy, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to the health and productivity of livestock.
Soil Health: One of the key benefits is its ability to improve soil health and fertility. The deep taproots of lucerne help break up compacted soil, improve water infiltration, and enhance soil aeration. Additionally, lucerne has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, enriching the soil with nitrogen and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
Green Manure: Lucerne is also commonly used as a green manure crop to replenish soil nutrients and improve soil structure. When grown as a cover crop and then incorporated into the soil, lucerne adds organic matter, nitrogen, and other essential nutrients, enhancing soil fertility and promoting healthy plant growth.
Ecological Benefits: Itprovides various ecological benefits, including erosion control, weed suppression, and habitat for beneficial insects. Its deep root system helps prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the soil and reducing runoff. Additionally, lucerne flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem health.
In summary, lucerne is a versatile and valuable crop with significant benefits for agriculture, soil health, and ecosystem resilience. Its ability to provide nutritious forage, improve soil fertility, and support biodiversity makes it an essential component of sustainable farming systems worldwide.
Lucerne is a perennial legume used as a forage crop. The leafy nature ensures a palatable, nutrient rich food source, which is why it is often referred to as “the queen of forage crops”. Its deep taproot system makes it especially resistant to drought, requiring rainfall as low as 400 mm per annum.
Where to use Lucerne/Alfalfa
Lucerne is often produced under irrigation to optimise production.
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