Re: CULT: Alfalfa Pellets

Ross Bishop wrote:
> 
> >
> > > 2.Alfalfa pellets (large for horses).
> >
> > I spread them to about 30% coverage, water (which makes them swell a lot
> > to about 90% coverage), then till under.
> 
> John,
> I'm going to try the alfalfa pellets for the first time. And, I have a
> question: Would you explain what you mean by "30 & 90% coverage?" Our
> clay soil here in NM holds water, so we have to be careful of
> overwatering. I was thinking of soaking the pellets in a bucket so as
> not to overwater my iris.
> Thanks,
> Ross

Well I will relate my experience this last spring. I spread alfalfa
pellets over my Iris beds so that about 60% of the soil surface was
covered. Then I wet it down and each pellet swelled up to about three
times its original size. Not only that, but when I had scattered them on
my iris beds, I didn't realize how many of the pellets caught in the
iris fans and on top of the rzs.

So I ended up with an inch or so of wet, soggy alfalfa mush on top of my
rzs. I was not a happy camper. Had to go in and scrape each rz clear. 
When the mush eventually dried out it was sort of crusty. Since I use
mostly drio irrigation, I had to direct water several times to wash the
nutrients into the soil.

So, I would never recommend applying alfalfa pellets as a top dressing
UNLESS they can be tilled in prior to planting the rzs. If you want to
add alfalfa to planted irises, use afalfa tea. I suppose that if you
could scratch the pellets (or mush) into the soil around the iris being
careful to not go too deep and disturb the roots, that would work as
well. Eventually, water has to be applied to carry the nutrients down to
the root system.

To add alfalfa before planting I would do one of two things. Just put a
handful of pellets (or mush) into the hole as you plant. Or, sprinkle
the pellets on the bed so that about 30% of the soil surface is covered.
Sprinkle lightly with water (might take a couple of times) until the
pellets swell up, then till them into the soil. 

Since you said that you were worried about overwatering, it sounds like
the iris are already planted. That being the case, I think alfalfa tea
is better, but then you have the watering problem again. You would just
wait until normal watering time then use the tea instead.

IMHO

John                     | "There be dragons here"
                         |  Annotation used by ancient cartographers
                         |  to indicate the edge of the known world.

John Jones, jijones@ix.netcom.com
Fremont CA, USDA zone 8/9 (coastal, bay) 
Max high 95F/35C, Min Low 28F/-2C average 10 days each
Heavy clay base for my raised beds.
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