Dr. Marta Kohmann, Dr. Natasha Rayne, and Dr. Luiz Ferraretto presented in the first 2026 Focus on Forage webinar.
Dr. Natasha Rayne explored how to unlock the full nutrient value of manure in alfalfa production. She began with an overview of key nutrient needs in alfalfa—especially nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and boron—and explained how alfalfa’s high nutrient demand makes manure a valuable but sometimes challenging fertilizer source.
Dr. Rayne discussed optimal nutrient guidelines, soil test interpretation, and how manure applications influence crop nutrition, winter survival, and stand longevity. She also highlighted the risks of manure use, including compaction, weed pressure, and nutrient runoff, while reviewing research on application timing and low-disturbance manure injection. The session concluded with practical recommendations for integrating manure into alfalfa systems while protecting crop health and the environment. https://youtu.be/dszfhr6d660?si=Gvtin0kVDTvOt0Qb