Akshayraj Seeds

Alfalfa, Medicago sativa, also called lucerne, is a perennial flowering plant in the pea family Fabaceae cultivated as an important forage crop in many countries around the world. Alfalfa, Medicago sativa, also called lucerne, is a perennial flowering plant in the pea family Fabaceae cultivated as an important forage crop in many countries around the world. The Spanish-Arabic name alfalfa is widely used, particularly in North America and Australia. But in the UK, South Africa and New Zealand, the more commonly used name is lucerne. It superficially resembles clover, with clusters of small purple flowers followed by fruits spiralled in 2 to 3 turns containing ****0 seeds. Alfalfa is native to a warmer temperate climate such as that of Iran. It has been cultivated as livestock fodder since at least the era of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Properties The seeds, leaves and stems of the alfalfa plant have important properties- derived from the root of the plant which reach up to *2 meters in the subsoil and absorb the elusive trace minerals from the depths. The most important this trace minerals is manganese which is vital to the human digestive system in its manufacture of insulin. Alfalfa is an outstanding alkalizing food. Alfalfa build up for a healthy and vigorous old age and resistance to infection Common name: lucerne Color: violet Height: about one meter Difficulty level: Easy Planting & Care Sunlight: full sun Soil: A well-draining area with a pH level between 6.8 and 7.5. Care: What is Lucerne for Lucerne should be sown as a four or five year temporary ley. It is not a grazing plant as it causes bloat and is much better suited to the production of silage for dairy cows, cattle or sheep. For specialist use it may be made into hay for the equine market where it is also known as alfalfa. Where to Grow It Successfully Lucerne is suited to naturally alkaline and free-draining soils. It is severely restricted on soils with pH below 6. 2. Liming will not be enough to correct naturally acidic soils. Chalk and limestone soils are most suitable and waterlogged soils should never be sown to lucerne. Pollination Alfalfa seed production requires the presence of pollinators when the fields of alfalfa are in bloom. Alfalfa pollination is somewhat problematic, however, because western honey bees, the most commonly used pollinator, are not suitable for this purpose; the pollen-carrying keel of the alfalfa flower trips and strikes pollinating bees on the head, which helps transfer the pollen to the foraging bee. Harvesting: When alfalfa is to be used as hay, it is usually cut and baled. Loose haystacks are still used in some areas, but bales are easier for use in transportation, storage, and feed. Ideally, the first cutting should be taken at the bud stage, and the subsequent cuttings just as the field is beginning to flower, or one-tenth bloom because carbohydrates are at their highest. When using farm equipment rather than hand-harvesting, a swather cuts the alfalfa and arranges it in windrows. Special Feature: Alfalfa has been used as an herbal medicine for over 1,**0 years.In early Chinese medicines, physicians used young alfalfa leaves to treat disorders related to the digestive tract and the kidneys. In Ayurvedic medicine, physicians used the leaves for treating poor digestion. They made a cooling poultice from the seeds for boils. At the time, alfalfa was also believed to be beneficial to people suffering from arthritis and water retention. It has been cultivated as livestock fodder since at least the era of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Use Reference: http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/alfalfa/growing-alfalfa.htm