Re: CULT: alfalfa/lucerne

--- In iris-talk@y..., Linda Mann <lmann@i...> wrote:
"...content of some trace elements (both from soil differences and 
irrigation water) and pesticide residues might vary in the raw 
alfalfa/lucerne...."

They certainly do, Linda.  In Idaho we were in a Selenium deficient 
area with a deficiency disease in cattle as a result.  Livestock 
growers imported some alfalfa from Selenium-rich areas in Nevada to 
correct the problem.  It was blended with locally grown hay.

Further, we used to have dairy cows miscarry because of pesticide 
residues on alfalfa grown near fruit orchards where certain 
pesticides (no longer in commerce) were used.  The residues caused 
the fetal death.  Contemporary herbicides and pesticides may not have 
as much carry over, as half-life of the compounds is much less.

I have no idea where the alfalfa pellets available here through the 
farm supply outlets originate.  For economic reasons I would not 
expect long transportation lines--it is more economical to sell a 
product close to where it is grown, even if it is not more 
satisfactory to us who seek nutrients for our plants otherwise short 
in supply in our soil.  Chances are, the alfalfa was grown under 
similar soils, conditions we ourselves have.  Then again, maybe 
not...who knows unless you trace the origin.

Neil Mogensen 6b/7a near Asheville, NC


 

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