alfafa questions

[3ggnog]

beginner on alfalfa here. I’m trying to figure out the best time to fertilize.
I've heard everything from before the first cut to after the third cut from the local guys.

I’m currently leaning towards splitting the fertilizer. half before the first cut, and the other half after the second cut.
The soil test calls for 0−110−120. I was thinking of doing a 23−60−100 mix twice. (It's got orchardgrass and timothy mixed in, btw).
Also, I heard about this 3 cut system for alfalfa, what is it exactly? Any thoughts? Lay some knowledge on me! Thanks!

 

[frank.the.dad]

Splitting it the way you’re planning is a good approach actually, especially with the grass mix, it'll help keep nutrients available through the season. The 3 cut system basically means taking three harvests per year, usually timing them for quality and regrowth rather than pushing for a fourth lighter cut. It’s pretty common in mixed stands to balance yield and stand longevity

 

[s@k3_s@k3]

Also, I heard about this 3 cut system for alfalfa, what is it exactly? Any thoughts?

Alfalfa has deep roots and needs a massive amount of Potassium (K), it removes a huge amount of it with every single cut.
if you put all the fertilizer down at once in the early spring, you risk what's called "luxury consumption," where the plant takes up way more nutrients than it needs just because they're available. This can lead to low magnesium levels in the plant and, eventually, lower yields in later cuts

 

[Full3r]

Consider doing your first application in early spring before breaking dormancy, then hit it again after first or second cut depending on growth because the plants need those nutrients to rebuild after cutting. As for the 3 cut system, it's basically harvesting three times per season instead of four or more, it lets the plants mature more between cuttings, better for stand longevity and root reserves