KingFisher 402H

Product Description

KingFisher 402H is the latest generation of alfalfa hybrid. This alfalfa has been the winner of many yield trials across the Midwest, with 7-10% higher yielding potential over non-hybrid competitors. This variety is extremely fine-stemmed for maximum quality and feed digestibility. KF 402H is currently our best alfalfa for a 28 day cutting schedule.

• Latest generation hybrid
• Winner of many yield trials across the Midwest
• Extremely fine-stemmed for maximum quality
• Our best alfalfa for 28 day cutting schedules
• 7-10% higher yielding
• A variety to use in high disease pressure

KingFisher 402H

KingFisher 402H is the forage base for many farms today. It is a legume that can fix most of its own nitrogen. Due to the pressures of the rotation schedule on many farms, KingFisher 402H stands are only in production for three or four years before decreases in productivity are noticed. It is important to get all the yield possible in this short time and these high performing varieties are what we focus on.

Establishment

KingFisher 402H can be planted in the spring or late summer, but we recommend late summer whenever possible. Planting depth should be 0.25 to 0.50 inches with good soil contact. If spring sown, a nurse crop of grass or small grain is recommended to maximize the tonnage in the seeding year. We usually recommend seeding grass with KingFisher 402H to give a higher tonnage and better quality feed for the life of the stand. Alfalfa exhibits autotoxicity, which means established plants (older than 6 months) give off compounds that prevent new alfalfa seedlings from establishing.

Management

Once established, KingFisher 402H stand can last for many years. Many modern varieties can handle 28 day cutting schedules and in fact, some elite varieties need that type of management to perform their best. One very critical aspect of alfalfa management is knowing when to take the last cutting in the fall. By using Growing Degree Days (GDD) you can determine the best time to take the last fall cutting. An early fall cut can be taken as long as the plants can accumulate more than 500 GDD to replenish root reserves. A late fall cutting can be taken as long as no more than 200 GDD will accumulate before killing frost (25°F).

KingFisher KF402H Tech Sheet