KingFisher 409A2

Product Description

KingFisher 409A2 from Byron Seeds is selected for the latest strain of Aphanomyces.

Establishment

KingFisher 409A2 alfalfa 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 409A2 alfalfa to give a higher tonnage and better quality feed for the life of the stand. KingFisher 409A2 alfalfa exhibits autotoxicity, which means established plants, generally older than 6 months, give off compounds that prevent new alfalfa seedlings from establishing.

Management

Once established, KingFisher 409A2 alfalfa 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 KingFisher 409A2 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).