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• Fertilizer Recommendations <br />Since alfalfa is a legume, no additional nitrogen fertilizer is needed. <br />The amount of nitrate-nitrogen present is sufficient to support a "nurse" <br />crop such as oats or barley should it be planted with the alfalfa. However, <br />alfalfa is a heavy user of both phosphorus and potassium, and the levels <br />found in the soil samples indicate that they must be ammended. Therefore, <br />the following rates of [he fertilizer must be added to assure good alfalfa <br />growth: <br />p205--80 pounds per acre (175 pounds per acre of 0-45-0). <br />K20 --40 pounds per acre (80 pounds per acre of 0-0-50 or 65 <br />pounds per acre of 0-0-62. 0-0-50 is potassium sulfate <br />and 0-0-62 is potassium chloride). <br />These compounds should be worked into the soil before planting since they <br />are quite immobile in the soil. <br />• Good results have been obtained with respect to alfalfa yield by adding <br />3 years' supply of both phosphorus and potassium at time of planting. If <br />this course is pursued, simply multiply the above fertilizer rates by a <br />factor of 3. This method will save some spreading costs at a later date, <br />but will triple the initial material costs. <br />Summary <br />The soil appears to be of good quality. Upon addition of the fertilizer <br />it should be able to support alfalfa providing that proper management is <br />followed. <br />Respectfully Submitted By: <br />~,~ `~ <br />c c ~~lryrf 1~.~1 <br />D. F. Champion, Certified Soil Scientist <br />• <br />