Lucerne can grow to an average 600mm in height with a root system as deep as 6m depending on the soil type. The best soils are deep, fertile and well draining loam that are kept free of Pests & Diseases and weeds. This will give 5-6 years of productive growth.
Lucerne grows from a central clump that puts up multiple stalks, each with many nodes along its length. The leaves grow from the nodes in sets of three, with a new branch. Each branch is capable of ending in flower stems and branching several times. The flowers grow in clusters and are each about 9mm in length. They are normally purple or white in colour and have 5 petals like all Legumes.
Flowering takes place approx 4-6 weeks after it was last cut depending on the amount of water it has had and the temperature. It will not be as tall and flowers early if conditions are hot and dry. If Cold and damp it may take longer to obtain full growth and flower.
The seed forms in a spiral shaped pods, when dried they split open and releasing the seed. The seeds are light enough to be transported by wind or just drop to the ground. The seeds like to be shallow planted with a covering of 10 -12 mm of soil that is achieved by harrowing. In good rain fallen seed will self plant.
The best planting time for Lucerne is in April to June (Late Autumn). If the paddock is well cultivated and treated against weeds, early winter planting is possible, as Lucerne does not compete well with weeds and need to get well established first.
Soils may require being fertilized with a high mineral fertilizer like molybdenum if Lucerne is grown long term in the same paddock or if the soil is acidic. Depending on the soil type, top dressing with Superphosphate or Potash will rejuvenate the Lucerne particularly if it relies on irrigation. Soil testing is recommended on a regular bases to keep the field fertile. It is best to see your local farm supply stockist for more information relevant to your area.
The Temperate Zone is best. In Australia this is effectively the area below the Tropic of Capricorn. The Thangool / Biloela District is effectively at the top of the zone. Very little Lucerne, if any is grown north of us. Mostly due to the unstable weather patterns of long wets and longer dry periods. While Lucerne likes lost of water, it doesn't like being constantly saturated.
Lucerne can handle light frosts and moderately hot days. However if the temperatures get too extreme, it will drop it's leaves, thus reducing production and producing a "stalky cut" that is lower in nutrition. "Black" frosts (extremely cold) and prolonged frosts can seriously restrict growth and even kill the Lucerne plant.
Lucerne can grow in as little rainfall of 550 mm a year. However for maximum growth and number of cuts for Hay Production, it requires approx 1200mm a year. Irrigation is used to make up the short fall unless you are dry farming.
Most of the Lucerne grown in Central Queensland is grown as Forage Hay and relies on underground water for Irrigation as our average rain fall is around 770ml / year.
To use this resource you require a licence and an allocation in ML / year for your property from Natural Resources QLD this resource is managed to ensure all users get equal treatment.
Not all underground water is suitable for using in Irrigation. The Hardness of the water, this is the amount of dissolved Magnesium and Calcium Carbonates and oxides like Lime, cause increased alkalinity and Scale, the deposits when the minerals settle out of the water. For example a neighbour near me, has water so Hard, that it is classed as being barley suitable for livestock to drink.
Water hardness can reduce growth and cause chemical imbalances in the soils, it can also cause corrosion or oxidisation of the Irrigation pipes (particularly Aluminium pipes). Scaling is aslo problem by causing build-ups around pipe joins and blocking sprays.
Pages of this Site-
To Top Lucerne
Pests & Diseases
Production
Uses
Bibliography - Links to other Sites -
DPI
Alfalfa
Forage Lucerne
Bloat
Salinity
Temperate Zone
Natural Resources QLD
Hardness
Scale