Management practices that maximize alfalfa forage harvested on farms: Insights from technological groups

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is essential for the US livestock industry and provides critical ecosystem services. However, a 30%–50% gap in forage harvested persists between farmers and research fields. This study surveyed 24 farmers in the US Midwest managing 38 alfalfa fields to identify practices that maximize forage harvested. Most fields were seeded in spring under vertical tillage, primarily for haylage. Fields with more than three cuts and those harvested for haylage or silage showed greater forage harvested (yield). Previous crop, type of tillage, interval between cuts, organic management, forage use, manure, sulfur (S), and potassium (K) application in the seeding year were associated with alfalfa forage harvested. Inputs in the established stand, including herbicide, boron (B), and S, further influenced productivity. Conditional inference tree analysis revealed three technological groups based on alfalfa forage harvested and management. Group 1 achieved the greatest forage harvested based on more nutrient inputs, like S, and more than three cuts for haylage and silage. Group 2 had lower forage harvested, relying more on manure than fertilizers, and with similar cutting frequency. Group 3 had the lowest forage harvested, using alfalfa for hay with fewer inputs and longer cutting intervals. Despite a relatively small sample size, these findings emphasize the importance of integrated management strategies in achieving greater alfalfa forage harvested and closing the productivity gap.