Primary Tillage Effects on Alfalfa Establishment and Yield

Four different primary tillage systems (moldboard plow, chisel plow, offset disk, and light disking with herbicide) were compared to determine effect of primary tillage on alfalfa production. Tillage operations had a significant effect on soil cone indices prior to planting; however, primary tillage did not affect alfalfa plant densities and first-year yields. The moldboard plow treatment had a lower cool-season grass emergence than other treatments.