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Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) intercropping with maize (Zea mays L.) silage is being developed in the northern United States to improve the profitability and environmental sustainability of forage production. This study, conducted under rainfed conditions in Wisconsin and semiarid irrigated conditions in Idaho, compared the establishment of alfalfa and dry matter yield of four intercropping systems to three conventional systems. The former systems included alfalfa interseeded at planting or the vegetative emergence (VE) stage of maize and grown with or without prohexadione growth retardant. The latter systems included alfalfa seeded in spring, summer‐seeded after barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), or late summer‐seeded after maize silage. Spring seeded and interseeded alfalfa in Wisconsin also received foliar fungicide and insecticide during establishment. During alfalfa establishment, yield of intercropped maize silage was 1.8‐ to 4.4‐fold greater than spring‐seeded alfalfa. Compared to spring‐seeded alfalfa, interseeded alfalfa had similar or somewhat lower stand density but similar first cut yield the following year, provided that intercropped maize was harvested near September 1 to allow ample alfalfa fall regrowth. Shifting interseeding from maize planting to the VE stage decreased early‐season alfalfa growth, but improved maize silage yield, with minor effects on alfalfa fall growth, stand density, and first cut yield. Prohexadione application had little impact on establishment or yield of interseeded alfalfa. While having high plant density, alfalfa seeded after barley or especially maize had less fall growth and low first cut yield. Overall, alfalfa establishment and yield of intercropping systems compared favorably with conventional systems. Core Ideas: Delaying alfalfa interseeding until the vegetative emergence stage improved maize silage companion crop yield.During alfalfa establishment, intercropped maize silage had up to 4.4‐fold greater yield than solo‐seeded alfalfa.Early harvest of maize silage improved fall growth and first cut yield of interseeded alfalfa after establishment.Interseeded and spring solo‐seeded alfalfa had comparable stand density and first cut yield after establishment.Summer solo‐seeded alfalfa had relatively poor fall growth and first cut yield after establishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter injury of alfalfa [Medicago sativa (L.)] in the northern United States decreases its economic and ecosystem benefits. Therefore, continued improvement in alfalfa cultivar winter survival (WS) is crucial for sustaining the productivity of this perennial crop. The North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference (NAAIC) standard test for WS recommends measuring the WS of spaced plants established in rows the previous spring. Measurement of WS of alfalfa grown in sward plots used by plant breeders would increase data collection and better reflect the potential for WS when grown in production fields. We conducted trials at seven location‐year environments spanning from Wisconsin to South Dakota in the northern United States. These trials involved six check cultivars and followed protocols from the NAAIC standard test. The objectives were to determine (1) if WS and biomass yield assessment from sward plots were similar to those from the standard spaced planted row ratings and (2) if location‐dependent environmental conditions affected the usefulness of alternative approaches for measuring WS. Estimation of WS using spaced plants and sward measurements was highly correlated, while correlations between the WS of the spaced planted rows and biomass yields were less. The number of locations required for spaced and sward plantings to determine cultivar differences was at least two, with four replications per location. Measuring WS from swards can enhance data collection and its relevance to on‐farm alfalfa production, as sward plots serve a dual purpose by allowing both WS testing and evaluation of yield, making them a practical choice in comparison to the exclusive use of spaced plants in rows for WS testing. Availability of sward‐plot WS descriptions of alfalfa cultivars will enhance decision making by producers. Core Ideas: Sward plot score correlation with Biomass yield is higher than that with spaced plant score.Measurement of Winter Survival of alfalfa grown in sward plots used by plant breeders would promote greater documentation of WS of alfalfa cultivars.Adopting sward scoring of alfalfa cultivars for WS will reduce the costs associated with establishing an independent spaced row trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishment of interseeded alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) under corn (Zea mays L.) silage is enhanced with foliar applications of prohexadione (PHD) followed by fungicide plus insecticide (FI), but the lowest effective rates must be determined. We evaluated stand characteristics of alfalfa interseeded into corn at Arlington, Wisconsin, USA in response to PHD applied at 0 to 0.423 kg a.e. ha−1 followed two weeks later with FI (none vs. 0.147 kg a.i. ha−1 fluxapyroxad-pyraclostrobin plus 0.018 kg a.i. ha−1 lambda-cyhalothrin). Application of PHD reduced etiolation, while FI treatment increased plant health and vigor. Following corn harvest, non-treated alfalfa stands averaged 4.2 plants m−2 and 1.2% groundcover under wet growing conditions in 2019 compared with 71.3 plants m−2 and 15.9% groundcover under normal growing conditions in 2020. Stand density in 2019 reached 130 plants m−2 but failed to plateau with combined PHD-FI treatments, while in 2020, stand density averaged 177 plants m−2 with FI regardless of the PHD rate. Alfalfa groundcover plateaued at 63% in 2019 and 71% in 2020 when 0.16 to 0.30 kg a.e. PHD ha−1 was applied prior to FI. The results indicate that FI enables excellent alfalfa establishment under normal conditions, but both PHD and FI should be applied during wet growing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Partial hybrids between Medicago sativa (alfalfa) and Medicago arborea, named Alborea, are the result of reproductive abnormalities in the M. sativa seed parent. These hybrids have the potential, through the addition of traits outside the alfalfa gene pool, to increase the productivity and utilisation of alfalfa. Medicago sativa (2n = 4x = 32) and M. arborea (2n = 4x = 32) were thought to be reproductively isolated until hybrids (Alborea) were produced by sexual reproduction for the first time in 2003 in Wisconsin. The hybrids were asymmetric, at or near 2n = 4x = 32, and with a predominance of the alfalfa genome. Only M. sativa seed parents with reproductive abnormalities, including unreduced eggs, have produced hybrids; where M. arborea has been used as the seed parent, no hybrids have resulted. Pedigree selection within derivatives of the two original M. sativa seed parents (MB and M8) has been successful in increasing the frequency of hybrids produced. While Alborea individuals more closely resemble M. sativa, a number of M. arborea-specific traits have been observed across different hybrid individuals. These include single-coil flat pods, large seeds, yellow flowers, indeterminate growth, a minimal crown, lodging, frost resistance, and anthracnose resistance. These M. arborea traits have the potential to restructure alfalfa to increase its versatility and utilisation. There is emerging evidence from North and South America and Australia that some Alborea selections have the capacity to complement adapted alfalfa cultivars for yield. Work is continuing to introgress M. arborea traits of value into alfalfa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, crosses between Medicago sativa (alfalfa) and M. arborea with alfalfa as the seed parent failed, as did crosses using M. arborea as the seed parent. Thus, a reproductive barrier kept the two species isolated until early in this century. The breakthrough came when alfalfa seed parents were identified in Wisconsin USA and Queensland AU that produced partial hybrids (hereafter hybrids). The hybrids were obtained by making large numbers of crosses on selected alfalfa parents. This was the first level of weakening the crossing barrier as reported in Plants in 2013. Further weakening of the barrier is reported herein whereby more hybrids were obtained with fewer crosses. This was accomplished by pedigree selection for new alfalfa seed parents and by using a product of the first hybrids called Alborea. New alfalfa seed parents were crossed with M. arborea, and Alborea parents were backcrossed to M. arborea. Hybrid plants were produced with fewer crosses in both cases. These hybrids, like the first hybrids, have mostly alfalfa traits but also have traits from M. arborea. It was theorized early on that the alfalfa component could be explained by 2n eggs in the alfalfa parents that were fertilized by normal n gametes from M. arborea. Evidence that the Wisconsin alfalfa and Alborea seed parents did in fact produce 2n eggs was reported in Plants in 2022. Moreover, they produced 2n eggs at approximately the same frequency that they produced hybrids. As reported herein, Alborea parents produced the highest frequency of hybrids and thus had the weakest barrier. Importantly, they also have the highest frequency of 2n eggs. It was determined that alfalfa and Alborea parents that produce 2n eggs and hybrids, also produce 2n pollen. In effect, an experiment was undertaken in reverse showing that 2n pollen could be used to screen for plants that produce hybrids. In the thousands of crosses made over the years, fertilization of normal n eggs in alfalfa parents always failed. Normal meiosis appears to be the main barrier to producing interspecific hybrids in our case. Fertilization of abnormal 2n eggs ensures sufficient alfalfa genetic material to continue embryogenesis. Evidently, the meiotic abnormality of 2n eggs is the major factor that weakens the crossing barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interseeding alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) into silage corn (Zea mays L.) can improve forage yield, farm profitability, and soil conservation, but unreliable alfalfa establishment hampers on‐farm adoption. This study evaluated seedling survival and growth of 36 alfalfa varieties differing in reported plant traits when interseeded at two Wisconsin sites in 2015 and at single sites in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania in 2016. Subplots of alfalfa varieties were sprayed with prohexadione‐calcium (PHD) at 0 or 0.42 kg acid equivalent (a.e.) ha–1 to assess changes in seedling survival mediated by this growth retardant. After corn harvest in 2015, average stand density of varieties in Wisconsin ranged from 15 to 94 plants m–2 without PHD and from 52 to 199 plants m–2 with PHD. Stand density largely determined subsequent first‐cut alfalfa dry matter yield, which ranged from 1.1 to 6.3 Mg ha–1. After corn harvest in 2016, stand density of varieties averaged across PHD treatments ranged from 113 to 248 plants m–2 in Michigan and Pennsylvania, compared with only 0.5 to 26 plants m–2 in Wisconsin; PHD treatment improved stand density only in Wisconsin but could not ensure adequate establishment under wet conditions that favored vigorous corn growth and foliar disease on alfalfa. Overall, establishment was poorly related to measured or reported alfalfa traits, but '55H94' and hybrids were consistently among the best performing cultivars. Further work is needed to understand seedling survival mechanisms and to develop improved germplasm and production practices to ensure reliable establishment of interseeded alfalfa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The impacts of low‐disturbance manure application (LDMA) on runoff water quality in hay crop forages are not well known. Our objective in this study was to determine surface runoff losses of total nitrogen (TN), ammonium N (NH4–N), nitrate N (NO3–N), total phosphorus (TP), dissolved reactive P (DRP), and suspended sediment from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)–grass plots in central Wisconsin after surface broadcasting manure and LDMA compared with no application. Treatments were (a) surface banding (BAND), (b) surface banding with aeration (A/B), (c) shallow disk injection (INJECT), (d) surface broadcast (BCAST), and (e) a no‐manure control (CONT). Runoff events were generated (n = 7) from replicated plots following a standardized rainfall simulation protocol. Although runoff was variable across plots and within treatments, mean runoff concentrations of TN (P =.03), NH4–N (P =.03), TP (P =.001), and DRP (P <.0001) were lower for incorporated (INJECT and A/B) vs. unincorporated (BCAST and BAND) treatments. INJECT had lower mean DRP concentration (P =.02) than A/B and was similar to CONT and had lower cumulative TN (P =.05), TP (P =.07), and DRP (P =.01) loads than A/B. Additionally, TP, TN, DRP, and NH4–N loads and concentrations were strongly related with soil surface manure coverage extent (R2 = 0.50–0.84; P <.0001), suggesting that manure was a main source of N and P losses. Although INJECT appeared to be the most effective in mitigating nutrient loss in surface runoff, more research is needed to determine LDMA impacts on farm economics, soil properties, and runoff water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although fertilizer N response of first‐year corn (Zea mays L.) following alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) has been reported for more than 350 site‐years of research, N responses under no‐tillage have been reported for only 17 site‐years. To determine the rate of N fertilizer required for first‐year corn after alfalfa in no‐tillage systems, on‐farm experiments were conducted at seven locations in southern Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin. The accuracy of the presidedress soil nitrate test (PSNT) and basal stalk nitrate test (BSNT) to identify the need for supplemental N in first‐year, no‐tillage corn also was evaluated. Across seven site‐years, no yield response to fertilizer N was observed for corn grain, cob, stover, or silage yield, confirming that alfalfa N credits can supply the entire N requirement of no‐tillage corn following alfalfa. Critical levels of PSNT used in other U.S. Corn Belt states, incorrectly predicted responses to supplemental N at all six locations where PSNT was measured (soil NO3–N concentrations were ≤18 mg kg−1), suggesting that critical levels may need to be reduced in no‐tillage corn following alfalfa. In this first report under no‐tillage conditions, the BSNT concentrations in nonfertilized corn after alfalfa were in the marginal range at two locations (between 250 and 700 mg NO3–N kg−1) and optimum or above at the other five locations, indicating that the BSNT incorrectly characterized N supply in two of seven cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus (P) risk loss assessment tools such as P indices are usually developed from small-plot scale data showing the relationships between various site and management variables and runoff P losses. Little information is available on how small-plot runoff composition compares with field-scale measurements. This study was conducted to compare runoff volume and composition measurements at the field scale with those obtained from natural runoff at the small-plot (1 m2 [10.8 ft2) scale. Sediment, dissolved P, and total P in natural runoff from small plots located in two fields (7.2 and 12 ha [17.8 and 29.6 ac]) were compared with similar measurements from the fields over an 18-month period. Runoff from small-plot rainfall simulations in both fields was also analyzed for P and sediment. The fields, cropped with either corn (Zea mnays L.) or alfalfa (Medica,go sativa L) interseeded with bromegrass (Bromnus inerrnis), were located on a Taina silt loam soil (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Argiudoll) in southwestWisconsin (42°42'N, 90°22'W). Statistical analysis using repeated measures showed no significant differences between the two scales of measurements for dissolved P concentrations in runoff Total P concentrations in small-plot runoff were greater than those in field runoff. Runoff volume and dissolved P concentrations were greater in winter than in summer, but summer runoff had higher sediment concentrations. Small plots had greater cumulative runoff volumes per unit area in both seasons compared to the flelds. The dissolved P concentration relationships between the two scales of measureinent for individual runoff events were very good in the corn field (r2 = 0.90) but not in the alfalfa field (r2 = 0.09). Sediment P enrichment ratios varied by crop and were similar in the small-plot and field runoff. Cumulative runoff-dissolved P concentrations were strongly related (r2= 0.95) to average soil-test P at both scales. The agreement of small-plot and field runoff-dissolved P concentrations during the 18-month measurensent period supports use of sniall-plot data in P loss risk assessnsent tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cropping systems may improve or decrease soil quality depending on the specific crop rotation, nutrient amendments, and till- age practices employed. We conducted this study to determine the effect of six cropping systems in the Wisconsin Integrated Cropping Systems Trial on soil properties after 18 yr of continuous treatments. We sampled soils (0-5 cm and 5-20 cm depths) following the corn (Zea mays L.) year of three grain-based systems (continuous corn and two grain rotations), after both corn and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in two forage-based systems (organic and conventional), and in grass-legume pasture. Extractable P and K, pH, total organic carbon (TOC), total N, active soil C, potentially mineralizable nitrogen (PMN), water-stable aggregates (WSA), bulk density (BD), penerrometer resistance, and total microbial biomass (TMB) were measured, and the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) soil quality index (SQI) was determined. The pasture (0-5 cm) was significantly better than all other systems in almost all soil quality indicators and had the highest SQI (96 vs. mean of 87 for others). The alfalfa-based systems had more total N, TOC, active C, PMN, and WSA and higher BD in one or both depths than did the grain-based systems but SQIs were not different. Among the grain systems, there was less variation and few significant differences were observed. While there were significant differences among systems for most soil properties, a SQI based on a composite of seven soil properties, showed few differences on this well managed, productive, prairie-derived soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confinement dairy feeding operations in the Upper Midwest could benefit from using a wider range offorages than alfalfa (Medi-cago sativa L.) and corn silage (Zea mays L.). A short-term ley oforchardgrass (Dacrylisgiomerata L.) (OG) frequently treated with manure, was compared with corn silage (Cs) in a 2 x 2 factorial trial conducted across 3 yr at two locations in Wisconsin. Nutrients were applied as either manure (M) or fertilizer (F) to meet crop N needs. Weighted on the basis each cut contributed to the total annual yield ofOG, concentrations oi crude protein (163 g kg-1) and 48-h neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility (657 g kg-1 NDF) were suitable for incorporation into the diets ofdairy cows (Bos taurus) and replacement heifers. Tissue concentrations of P and K were 3.7 and 32.0 g kg-1, respectively. High tissue concentrations of P can help with soil-test P drawdown, and reduce purchases of supplemental dietary P. Although heavy manuring resulted in high tissue K, especially in late-season cuts, K concentra- tions were not significantly greater in the hay-production years relative to the seeding year in either M or F. Based on results with 483 ± 37.6 kg Holstein heifers, there were no differences in voluntary intake by heifers offered commercially fertilized compared to manured OG hays. These results indicate that an OG ley system could be part of a larger alfalfa-corn silage rotation, providing confinement dairies with an alternative forage option, and additional manuring opportunities during summer months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses soluble phosphorus runoff from plants after freezing or drying. Alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.) and grass (principally, Agro-pyron repens L.) were subjected to freezing and drying treatments followed by simulated rainfall to determine phosphorus release. The effects of freezing and drying on phosphorus released from plant tissue were simulated by a herbicide treatment of paraquat in selected experiments. Soluble phosphorus was increased by freezing and drying in simulated rainfall experiments, but not with natural runoff monitoring suggesting that the timing and extent of rainfall is important in eutrophication.

Surface applied liquid dairy manure application (i.e., broadcasting) after alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) harvest is a common practice. Low disturbance manure incorporation (LDMI) may offer multiple benefits including lower ammonia (NH3), greenhouse gas (GHG) and hydrologic nutrient losses compared to broadcast. However, few studies have simultaneously quantified LDMI impacts on alfalfa yield, NH3 and greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes. We measured NH3, nitrous oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4) fluxes for liquid dairy manure treatments applied to alfalfa plots for broadcast and LDMI over three seasons (2014 to 2016) in central Wisconsin, USA. There were minor differences in alfalfa yield and nitrogen (N) uptake across treatments and years. Shallow disk injection and aerator/band reduced NH3 loss by 95 and 52% of broadcast, respectively, however both substantially increased N2O fluxes (6 and 4.5 kg ha−1 year−1 versus 3.6 kg ha−1 year−1 for broadcast, respectively). The magnitude and timing of N2O fluxes were related to manure application and precipitation events. Average CH4 fluxes were similar among methods and increased with soil moisture after manure application. Results highlight the importance of quantitatively evaluating agri-environmental tradeoffs of LDMI versus broadcast manure application for dairy farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective was to determine the cradle-to-farmgate carbon footprint of fat-and-protein corrected milk (FPCM) for four diets fed to two breeds using measured enteric methane and greenhouse gas emissions during manure storage and after field application. The diets were formulated as 2 × 2 factorial with forage neutral detergent fiber at two levels (19 and 24% of diet dry matter referred to as low forage and high forage diets, respectively) from two sources (70:30 or 30:70 ratio of alfalfa silage and corn silage). Measured emissions were incorporated in a modeled Wisconsin dairy farm with a herd consisting of 118 lactating cows (primiparous), 22 dry cows, and 119 heifers. Emissions were allocated between milk and meat using biophysical allocation, and a sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the impact of alternative allocation methods. Overall, carbon footprint was 1.43 kg CO 2 -e/kg FPCM for biophysical allocation, and 1.50 and 1.60 kg CO 2 -e/kg FPCM for economic and no allocation (100% allocated to milk), respectively. Forage source did not influence results. However, low forage-fed cows had 10% greater carbon footprint than high forage-fed cows (1.49 vs. 1.35 kg CO 2 -e/kg FPCM). Assuming similar herd structure, milk carbon footprint for Holsteins was 4.4% greater than for Jerseys (1.47 vs. 1.41 kg CO 2 -e/kg FPCM). Accounting for differences in fertility and replacement rate increased the difference in milk carbon footprint between breeds to 10%. Under our study conditions, differences in milk carbon footprint due to enteric fermentation were minimal but the differences became substantial when combining the effects of cow (enteric CH 4) and manure (CH 4 and N 2 O) emissions. These differences were exacerbated even further when accounted for the emissions associated with on-farm feed production and purchased feed (CO 2 and N 2 O). This study highlights the need for an integrated approach to assess the effects of dietary manipulations on milk carbon footprint. [Display omitted] • We studied the effects of dietary forage and cow breed on milk carbon footprint (CF). • Low forage diets resulted in 10% greater CF than high forage diets. • Assuming similar herd structure, Holsteins had 4% greater milk CF than Jerseys. • Breed difference increased to 10% when accounting for fertility and replacement rate. • An integrated approach is needed to assess the effects of diet on milk CF properly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dairy heifers have moderate energy needs with diets containing high proportions of corn silage, often exceeding needs of pregnant heifers. Use of moderate energy forages to decrease energy and increase NDF content has been successful to control intake and growth of pregnant heifers. Several forages could be used, including cereal grain forages/straws, warm season perennial grasses, sorghum forages, and corn stover. Higher NDF content diets control intake through rumen fill as heifers eat approximately 1% of bodyweight in NDF daily. Research at the University of Wisconsin found reduced intakes and more desirable gains for pregnant heifers fed diets that included either corn stover, wheat straw, or eastern gamagrass (0.8–1.0 kg gain/day) compared with heifers fed an alfalfa/corn silage diet (1.2 kg gain/day). A study feeding alfalfa stemlage also found that heifers had more desirable gains (0.9–1.0 kg/day) when fed diets with stemlage or straw than heifers fed an alfalfa/corn silage diet. Sorghum forages may also work to partially replace corn silage in the forage program, with an opportunity to double-crop with cereal grain forages. Wisconsin studies show that sorghum forages can have similar or greater yields than corn silage when planted in early to mid-June and harvested once in the fall, with sorghums being more responsive to irrigation and nitrogen than corn. Most sorghums had similar or greater yields than corn silage when fertilized at 22–45 kg N/acre or irrigated at 50–75% of levels recommended for corn. A recent study found heifers fed sorghum-sudangrass silage based diets had lower intakes due to higher NDF content leading to more optimal daily gains (0.9 kg/d) than heifers fed a corn silage/alfalfa silage/grass hay diet that had similar protein and energy content, but was lower in NDF content. Use of alternative forages can help control nutrient intake and thus growth, and can also help control costs and improve nutrient/manure management by lowering intakes and forage production costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alfalfa is a valuable and intensively produced forage crop in the United States, and the timely estimation of its yield can inform precision management decisions. However, traditional yield assessment approaches are laborious and time-consuming, and thus hinder the acquisition of timely information at the field scale. Recently, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have gained significant attention in precision agriculture due to their efficiency in data acquisition. In addition, compared with other imaging modalities, hyperspectral data can offer higher spectral fidelity for constructing narrow-band vegetation indices which are of great importance in yield modeling. In this study, we performed an in-season alfalfa yield prediction using UAV-based hyperspectral images. Specifically, we firstly extracted a large number of hyperspectral indices from the original data and performed a feature selection to reduce the data dimensionality. Then, an ensemble machine learning model was developed by combining three widely used base learners including random forest (RF), support vector regression (SVR) and K-nearest neighbors (KNN). The model performance was evaluated on experimental fields in Wisconsin. Our results showed that the ensemble model outperformed all the base learners and a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.874 was achieved when using the selected features. In addition, we also evaluated the model adaptability on different machinery compaction treatments, and the results further demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed ensemble model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The economic injury level for potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris), in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was developed over 30 yr ago. In response to increasing market value of alfalfa, farmers and consultants are interested in reducing the economic threshold for potato leafhopper in alfalfa. To address this question, caged field trials were established on two consecutive potato leafhopper susceptible crops in 2013. Field cages were infested with a range of potato leafhopper densities to create a linear regression of alfalfa yield response. The slopes, or yield loss per insect, for the linear regressions of both trials were used to calculate an economic injury level for a range of current alfalfa market values and control costs. This yield-loss relationship is the first quantification that could be used to help assess whether the economic threshold should be lowered, given the increased market value of alfalfa., (© The Authors 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Reports a research of the Agricultural Research Service and University of Wisconsin about the use of alfalfa on animal waste disposal. Phytase component of alfalfa; Effect of phytase on phosphorus uptake; Protein from alfalfa juice.