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Spotted alfalfa aphid

Description

Presents a description of the spotted alfalfa aphid, describes the type of damage it can cause to alfalfa crops, and looks at biological and chemical methods of controlling the insect. This... More ≫

Description

Presents a description of the spotted alfalfa aphid, describes the type of damage it can cause to alfalfa crops, and looks at biological and chemical methods of controlling the insect. This species of aphid can be more serious on alfalfa than the pea aphid because it not only sucks out the juice of the plant, but it also injects a toxin into it.

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Soil and nutrient management of alfalfa

Description

Ensuring adequate soil fertility levels and effectively managing nutrients are two keys to growing alfalfa successfully in Alberta. Alfalfa can produce from 2 to 7 tons of dry matter per acre... More ≫

Description

Ensuring adequate soil fertility levels and effectively managing nutrients are two keys to growing alfalfa successfully in Alberta. Alfalfa can produce from 2 to 7 tons of dry matter per acre depending on water and nutrients levels. Climate, soil type and management will also affect alfalfa’s potential yield. Alfalfa has a high demand for nutrients compared to other crops. Table 1 gives the approximate amount of each nutrient removed per ton of dry matter alfalfa. Alfalfa also requires 4 to 5 inches of water for each ton of dry matter produced.

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Bloat in cattle

Description

This publication provides information on the causes, control and treatment of bloat in cattle and is intended for livestock producers, veterinarians, and agrologists. The authors have observed... More ≫

Description

This publication provides information on the causes, control and treatment of bloat in cattle and is intended for livestock producers, veterinarians, and agrologists. The authors have observed bloat produced under experimental conditions by feeding fresh alfalfa and bloat-causing feedlot diets. Bloat has also been observed under grazing conditions on alfalfa pastures. Although the information in this publication is oriented around livestock production in western Canada, the general principles are widely applicable, and the publication should provide valuable information for other regions. Bloat is a complex disease that is difficult to predict under field conditions. As a result, field observations have led to varied and conflicting theories about its causes. This publication presents well-established facts and consistent field observations based on collective experience. Recommendations are made on this basis and on research reports, general observations and on the experience of...

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Feeding legumes to cattle

Description

Legumes can be a valuable part of a cattle feeding program. In fact, legumes can actually improve animal performance by encouraging intake, by providing greater feed efficiency and by fostering a... More ≫

Description

Legumes can be a valuable part of a cattle feeding program. In fact, legumes can actually improve animal performance by encouraging intake, by providing greater feed efficiency and by fostering a better use of forage nitrogen content. Legumes can capture nitrogen from the air and use it for their own growth as well as for the benefit of other plants around them. The bacteria that inhabit root nodules trigger a chemical reaction to convert nitrogen gas into a form that is easily used by the plant.

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Fertilizer requirements of irrigated alfalfa

Description

Ensuring soil fertility levels are adequate is a major factor to consider when growing irrigated alfalfa in southern Alberta. Irrigated alfalfa will produce 5 to 6 tons of dry matter per acre if... More ≫

Description

Ensuring soil fertility levels are adequate is a major factor to consider when growing irrigated alfalfa in southern Alberta. Irrigated alfalfa will produce 5 to 6 tons of dry matter per acre if it receives sufficient amounts of water and nutrients. Climate, soil type and management will all affect the yield a producer can expect from an alfalfa crop. Alfalfa has a high demand for nutrients compared to other crops.

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Insects associated with alfalfa seed production

Description

This field guide was prepared to enable growers of seed alfalfa to quickly identify their pest and beneficial insects. The important distinguishing features are indicated on the plates by arrows.... More ≫

Description

This field guide was prepared to enable growers of seed alfalfa to quickly identify their pest and beneficial insects. The important distinguishing features are indicated on the plates by arrows. These features can be readily seen with a hand lens or magnifying glass. Economic thresholds are based on the average number of insects captured in five 90° sweeps.

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