Best Management Production Input Approach to High Yielding Alfalfa

Eight alfalfa production inputs were evaluated on best profit per acre. Iowa State University (ISU) fertilizer recommendations proved to be more profitable than for using a higher fertilizer rate. Additional inputs of foliar fertilizer and Bioforge applied to every regrowth did not improve profitability. Select use of foliar insecticide when pest levels exceeding thresholds appeared to be profitable, but prophylactic applications to every regrowth did not improve overall profitability. Foliar fungicide applications improved profitability for some harvests, but not all. Most profitable use appears to be to apply in late April to benefit first crop yield