alfalfa- why does it do what it do
- To: i*@Rt66.com
- Subject: alfalfa- why does it do what it do
- From: E*@aol.com
- Date: Thu, 21 Mar 1996 17:30:46 -0500
This article was in the Region 5 summer '95 newsletter. It was reprinted in
the Region 20 fall '95 newsletter.
Alfalfa - Why does it do what it do? by Jane Johnson
Last year at the National Convention we were impressed by the vigor and
size of some gorgeous calla lily clumps. Dave Silverberg said "No secret...I
just give them, and all the rest of the flowers, a handful of rabbit food
once a year, and if that is not available I use alfalfa pellets." We had
never heard of such, but Michigan friends, Ron & Anna Mae Miller report they
regularly use this for their Siberian iris beds in early spring and after
trimming foliage for the fall. So casual about the amount and
frequency---just an occassional handful can't burn the rhizomes... etc. Frank
bought a 50 lb. bag each of alfalfa pellets and of rabbit food at $7/bag.
They prove to have identical formulas as alfalfa meal, either of them readily
soluable binders for ease in handling. Frank asked the manager "Bet you don't
know what I'll do with this." Manager: "Sure- fertilize your flowers." How
long has this been going on, at least in Oregon, Michigan and South Carolina?
When we could not find anything written about the efficacy of alfalfa, we
turned to Robert Polomski, the Extension Consumer Horticulturist at Clemson
Univ. Bob gets asked all sorts of questions by the readers of HORTICULTURE
magazine and the public at large. Several months later he sent us excerpts
from notes and articles in '94 issues of the AMERICAN ROSE. One states:"
alfalfa meal is the powdered form legume alfalfa (Medicago sativa) a very
important agricultural crop used as livestock food because of its rich
nutrient composition. Rosarians use alfalfa as a soil amendment and enricher.
When the powdered alfalfa decomposes, it releases not only its nitrogen and
other nutrients but also a substance called TRIACONTANOL, which has a
growth-stimulationg effect on many plants." No place does Mr. Polomski find
mention of triacontanol,but his thoughts echo ours: GO FOR IT! And until we
hear other than glowing recommendations on it we'll do just that!
(A note from editor Kathy Woolsey) I have been using alfalfa pellets and
alfalfa tea on my iris for 4 years now andIi would like to add my own
experience to the above article. Do not use just ANY type of rabbit pellets.
Some animal foods contain corn. Corn has a growth inhibitor and is now being
used to prevent weed growth. It may hurt the growth of your iris.I have no
proof, this is only my speculation
I tried alfalfa tea on half of two rows of seedling one spring. The growth
of the treated half was phenomenal, very lush, green and full. I use alfalfa
tea every spring on all my garden flowers. (See article "Alfalfa Tea")
from Suzy Ewell Region 20 newsletter editor
Colorado Sprongs, CO
