Alfalfa Irrigation Termination, Yuma

Alfalfa irrigation is often withheld as a water conservation measure in Arizona. The objective of this research was to test the hypothesis that alfalfa yield and stand can be permanently damaged by withholding irrigation water. Irrigation was terminated during the summer (July through October) or winter (November through February) on a Superstition sand in Yuma. Summer irrigation termination reduced plant density from 4 to 1.5 plants per square foot and reduced hay yield from 0.76 to 0.27 tons per acre per cutting after irrigation was resumed. Winter irrigation termination had no residual effect on yield or plant density. Termination of alfalfa irrigation can permanently damage stands and reduce yield on sandy soil