Archives: IP Guidelines

Not applicable.

Pests

Ploughing after breaking alfalfa crop to reduce rodent populations, where risk is high.

Insecticides are restricted to control Sitona species, control all pests only under high pressure.

Weeds

Alfalfa biomass should be exported from the field.

In case of Cuscuta presence an interval of min 3 year without alfalfa and sugarbeet should be respected.

Early clean cut to restrict weeds.

Single plants and patch chemical control for problematic perennials (e.g. Rumex species, Cirsium arvense) and all toxic species.

Wherever a control measure is deemed necessary, a biological or biotechnical control method must be used if available and effective.

Diseases

Fungicides are not permitted.

Weeds

Mechanical control prior to sowing.

The prevention and/or suppression of key pests and diseases must be supported among other options especially by:

• See points 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8

pH should be >7.0, apply Ca (lime) if necessary.

Avoid the use of manure during cultivation.

No nitrogen applied during cultivation. Manure only before planting.

Clean cut in the first autumn.

Alfalfa breaking must be done in periods with minimum leaching risks or immediately followed by crop high N demanding.

Seedbed should be excellent (fine on-top and re-compacted in the bottom).

Duration of use should last between 18 months to four years (maximum).

Each year of alfalfa counts as one crop in the rotation.

Alfalfa must not be followed by a leguminosae crop. The following crop should have high N requirements.

Alfalfa should be considered as a beneficial crop in the rotation.