Mowing alfalfa
 

Im combining some alfalfa and clover in one of my plots. It says to mow the alfalfa when it gets about 12 inches. Should I just mow without worrying about the clover? Also should I keep it around 10 inches throughout growth?

Im confused because the farmers around here dont mow their alfalfa.:eek:

Is it that important to get the clippings out? Is my blower sufficient?

RE: Mowing alfalfa
 

I used Alfa rack for one of my food plots. Alfa & clover mix. I mowed it just same as do other clover plots. Its not going to hurt it. Farmers are likely waitng to bail it when its higher so get more hay for their horses. I'd leave the clippings on the ground. Its compost fertilizer for the plot.

RE: Mowing alfalfa
 

yea i would mow it at eight inches because the deer like the fresher bottom part of the plant rather than the top which is old. and i dont think its important to get the clippings out

RE: Mowing alfalfa
 

No, leaving the clippings won't harm the food plot unless you let the alfalfa get too high before you mow it. We made this mistake one year and when we mowed it in some places the clippings drowned out the clover. As long as you mow it at the recommended times you have nothing to worry about.

RE: Mowing alfalfa
 

Actually the alfalfa produces an enzyme that will kill itself out when left on the ground. So if you can let someone bale it, or produce plan to replant it every 3 years.

RE: Mowing alfalfa
 

Make sure that you use a bushhog type mower to break up the plant material as much as possible.

Dan O.

RE: Mowing alfalfa
 

Thanks for the input. I guess my regular lawn tractor will work on a 10 inch setting. Its easier to haul over there than the Deere.