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Understanding alfalfa seed labels for effective farming

Understanding alfalfa seed labels for effective farming


By Scout Nelson

Craig Sheaffer, an Extension forage agronomist, emphasizes the importance of understanding seed labels for establishing a productive stand of alfalfa. The seed label, mandated by Federal and Minnesota seed laws, provides crucial information for evaluating seed quality and value. 

Key items on the seed label include: 

  1. Kind: Identifies species in the bag, like alfalfa in the example. 
  2. Variety: Indicates the specific variety, such as 'Dozer II' in the example. 'Variety not stated' (VNS) labels denote unknown genetics. 
  3. Pure Seed: Represents the weight percentage of the desired crop in the seed mix. In the example, 65.8% purity means 34.2% is inert matter or other substances. 
  4. Germination: Shows the percentage of seeds expected to germinate within a specified time. 
  5. Hard Seed: Refers to seeds that germinate after the standard period, usually under 10%. 
  6. Germination & Hard Seed: Combined percentage of both, which is 95% in the example. 
  7. Date of Test: Indicates the freshness of the seed test. Seed in Minnesota is tested every 12 months. 
  8. Seed Inoculation: Essential for alfalfa and legumes, noting the expiration date of the Rhizobium inoculum. 
  9. Coating: Includes fungicides, colorants, and polymers for seed protection and should be detailed on the label. 
  10. Weed Seed: Legally limited to less than 1% by weight in Minnesota. 

Calculating pure live seed (PLS) is crucial for determining the actual number of viable seeds in a bag. PLS is calculated by multiplying the pure seed percentage by the germination percentage.  

For instance, a bag with 65.8% purity and 95% germination yields 62.5% PLS. This calculation affects the seeding rate and cost. A lower germination rate, like 80%, results in lower PLS, requiring more seed per acre. 

Understanding these label components helps farmers make informed decisions about the seed they purchase, ensuring a higher chance of successful alfalfa cultivation. 

 

Photo Credit - gettyimages-0shut0

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Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Alfalfa

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