Alfalfa is seldom grown in the south partly because stand persistence is low compared to bermudagrass and perceived difficulty of establishment. Improved methods of establishment are needed for alfalfa to reduce risk of establishment failure and subsequent loss of forage production. If alfalfa can be established in bermudagrass sod, production risks would be low since the bermudagrass would remain after decline of the alfalfa stand. Field plots were established in 1999 near Hope and Fayetteville, Arkansas to determine optimum fall planting date and bermudagrass stubble management for establishing alfalfa in bermudagrass sod. Alfalfa was planted in September and in October in bermudagrass plots mowed to leave either a 2-in or 3.5-in stubble. Alfalfawas successfully established at Fayetteville and plots were maintained through the end of the 2001 season. Mean yield over two years was lowest (P<.05) for alfalfa planted in September in 3.5-in. bermudagrass stubble, but was not significantly differentamong the other treatments. Bermudagrass stubble height did not affect alfalfa plant or stem density, however plant and stem density were greater (P<.05) for the October planting than for the September planting at each sampling date over 2000 and 2001. Plant density declined and stem density increased over time for both planting dates, but were consistently higher for the October planting date than for the September planting date. Results suggest that fall-seeding of alfalfa into bermudagrass sod may be an effective method for establishing alfalfa with low risk of losing forage production.
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