Evaluation of Linex 4L Herbicide for Weed Control in Alfalfa #196 [pdf 546.08KB]
 Linex 4L (linuron) is a group 7 herbicide that provides preemergence and early postemergence control of several broadleaf and grass weeds.  Linex 4L is not currently registered for use in alfalfa, but there is interest in testing it for weed control in alfalfa especially for locations with weeds resistant to metribuzin and hexazinone.  This study evaluated Linex 4L applied alone and in tank-mix combinations at spring greenup and in between cuttings. 

Cutting Management Strategies for Established Alfalfa #117 [pdf 152.59KB]
Three trials were conducted in the Intermountain Region of Northern California to compare sequential vs. staggered cutting strategies and to evaluate different alfalfa cutting schedules (3 versus 4 cuts).   Single-year trials were conducted on the property of grower cooperators in Tulelake and Butte Valley (Macdoel).  Field plots located at the UC Intermountain Research and Extension Center (IREC) in Tulelake were harvested in 2001 through 2003 with a single uniform harvest in 2004. 

Deficit Irrigation Strategies to Maximize Alfalfa Returns #116 [pdf 123.62KB]
Large-scale field trials were established in the Klamath Basin and the Sacramento Valley in 2003 and 2004.  An additional trial was established in Scott Valley in 2004.  Information presented here will pertain only to the Intermountain studies and will not discuss the Sacramento Valley studies.  The Klamath trial was conducted on two locations with vastly different soil types (a fine sandy loam and a silt loam with high organic matter content). All intermountain sites were sprinkler irrigated with wheel-lines.  Irrigation treatments were imposed by plugging three consecutive nozzles on the wheel-line irrigation system for two 12-hour sets so each irrigation treatment was applied to a plot approximately 60 by 120 feet.  The irrigation treatments were full irrigation, irrigation cut-off around June 1st after first cutting, and irrigation cut-off around July 15th after second cutting.  Yield was measured at second cutting and for each subsequent cutting.  Soil moisture was assessed bi-weekly using a neutron probe.   Yield was measured for each cutting after the irrigation treatments were imposed.  Forage quality (ADF, NDF, and CP) was measured for all treatments at each cutting.