Keep lucerne producing longer, and the money rolling in

For dry-land farming systems, particularly, high-producing, long-lasting lucerne is as good as money in the bank. That’s provided it is managed well. The deep-rooted perennial legume can deliver up to 20 t DM/ha. It also provides choices including grazing for sheep, cattle, and deer, and/or multiple cuts of hay or silage for a “cut and carry”, profit-generating option. The latter is an increasingly popular option in areas like Central Otago and North Canterbury.

ADAMA NZ Commercial Manager, Canterbury Alan Steel says lucerne’s ability to fix nitrogen also makes it a good fit for today’s farming systems with its emphasis on reducing fertiliser application. 

At the same time, the high protein content boosts animal health and growth. Studies from Beef and Lamb show dryland lucerne can provide a similar level of production (lamb liveweight weaned per hectare) to irrigated pasture. 

Lucerne hay is also vitamin and mineral-rich, and high in fibre with the potential to add weight to sheep and cattle.

Alan says prudent management of the crop is essential, as failure to manage lucerne well can result in yield losses of 20-40% and shorten the crop’s lifespan by as much as 50%. “In good conditions, if managed correctly you can extend stand lifespan from 3-4 years up to 10 years plus.” Paddock selection and preparation are also important but, Alan says, that will only get you so far.

Major weed threats to optimising lucerne’s production include dandelion, storksbill, barley grass, and shepherds purse. These compete for water (particularly critical in dryland systems), nutrients and even sunlight. Alan says the weeds reduce crop quality. “In addition, barley grass and storksbill can negatively impact stock health and performance.”

ADAMA’s lucerne winter dormancy weed protection programme, combines broad-spectrum herbicide Atranex WG, with fast-acting companion herbicide Flash Herbicide.

Taken up by the leaves and roots, Atranex WG contains 900 g/kg ATRAZINE in the form of water-soluble granules. This provides strong knockdown effect and, importantly, residual control of spring-germinating weeds. 

Flash Herbicide is a non-selective, non-residual, fast-acting contact herbicide and is active on green plant tissue only. Controlling a range of grasses and flat weeds, Flash Herbicide is ideal for use in established lucerne stands, including those less than 12 months old. 

In established lucerne (older than 12 months), Flash Herbicide can be tank-mixed with Atranex WG. This combination ensures that weeds are burned off, and pre-emergence control is covered with just one application, post close grazing or cutting the lucerne. Alan recommends June/July spraying and allowing weeds to freshen for 10-14 days following grazing/cutting before winter spraying to get the best possible results. “Hit the paddock when lucerne is dormant and before new growth. One of the real risks of spraying too late is it could impact new shoots on the crown, which could delay growth and the next cut, or grazing opportunity.”

Alan recommends applying 2.4 litres/ha of Flash Herbicide and 1 kg/ha Atranex WG during winter dormancy and on stands older than 12 months. Use a minimum water rate of 250 litres/ha and apply to healthy, clean weeds. Ideally, avoid applying to wet or frost covered foliage. Applying Flash Herbicide on dry overcast days is recommended as these conditions maximise uptake and herbicide performance. 

® Flash and Atranex are registered trademarks of an ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Ltd Company