Alfalfa Fertilization: Strategies for Optimal Production

Alfalfa fertilization is a determining factor in achieving high yields and improving forage quality. Proper nutrient management optimizes growth, strengthens roots, and increases plant resistance to adverse environmental factors.

Soil Analysis: The Basis of Efficient Fertilization

Before applying fertilizers, it is essential to conduct a soil analysis. This allows you to determine nutrient availability and pH levels, ensuring efficient application and avoiding deficiencies or excesses.

• Ideal pH: Between 6.5 and 7.5 for proper nutrient absorption.
• Acidity correction: Bifox-20 is not only an excellent source of P, but also has a significant “liming effect” in soil that helps low pH problems.

Key Nutrients in Alfalfa Fertilization

Alfalfa requires a proper balance of macronutrients and micronutrients to maximize yield:

• Nitrogen (N): Alfalfa fixes its own nitrogen through symbiosis with Rhizobium bacteria. In nitrogen-poor or highly acidified soils, minimal application may be required.
• Phosphorus (P): Fundamental for root development and flowering. It is the nutrient that most impacts yield response.
• Potassium (K): Improves resistance to diseases and water stress. Although soils in Argentina often have good potassium availability, monitoring is key.

Essential Meso and Micronutrients

• Calcium (Ca): Promotes cell development and root formation.
• Magnesium (Mg): Central element of chlorophyll, essential for photosynthesis.
• Sulfur (S): Indispensable in protein synthesis and plant metabolism.
• Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), and Zinc (Zn): Key in the regulation of cell growth and photosynthesis.

Fertilization for Planting and Nutrient Replenishment

• Planting: Apply Bifox-20 as a rich source  of  phosphorus and calcium to ensure good crop establishment.
• After each cutting: Replenish nutrients by applying Bifox-20 , especially if high yields are obtained.

Weed Control and Soil Compaction

• Weed management: Use selective herbicides under technical supervision to avoid competition for nutrients.
• Soil compaction: An aerated soil with good structure promotes root development and nutrient absorption.

Bifox-20: A Natural Alternative for Alfalfa Fertilization

Bifox-20 is a natural phosphate with 20% P2O5 and 30% CaO, offering gradual phosphorus release, preventing losses, and improving nutrient availability throughout the crop cycle.

Advantages of Using Bifox-20

• Corrects acidic soils: Its liming effect helps raise soil pH, counteracting acidification caused by conventional fertilizers.
• Provides calcium and phosphorus: Two of the main nutrients required by alfalfa.
• Progressive phosphorus release: Ensures constant nutrition during growth and cuttings.
• Presentation: it is commercialized in 1 ton big bags, and it is applied with plata or pneumatic spreaders.
• Application recommendations:
  • After a cut: It favors the incorporation with the rain.
  • Suggested doses according to soil analysis:
    • P Bray < 12 ppm: 400-600 kg/ha.
    • P Bray > 12 ppm: 250-350 kg/ha.
  • Complement with agricultural gypsum: To provide sulfur (18%) and calcium (30%), key elements in crop nutrition.

Comparison with Other Fertilizers

• Vs. Super Phosphate Simple (SSP): Bifox-20 does not acidify the soil, provides calcium, and releases phosphorus in a prolonged manner.
• Vs. MAP (Monoammonium phosphate): It does not add unnecessary nitrogen for alfalfa, and it improves the soil pH.

Proper alfalfa fertilization is key to expressing its maximum productive potential. Adequate nutrient management, combined with the use of natural fertilizers like Bifox-20, improves crop efficiency, optimizes soil resources, and ensures sustainable and profitable production.