Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a well-known forage crop in many regions of the world that offers high animal nutritional value. Alfalfa is divided into Fall Dormancy categories 1-10. Fall Dormancies 1-5 are considered dormant, 6-7 semi-dormant and 8-10 non-dormant. Fall Dormancy is determined by plant height measurements taken in the fall. To survive severe winters, dormant alfalfa plants react to day length and temperature by pausing growth, whereas non-dormant varieties continue to grow. Alfalfa thrives in well-drained soils and due to its deep tap root and can withstand severe drought once established. To grow and thrive, alfalfa performs best in soils between 6.5 and 7.5 pH with appropriate amounts of potassium, phosphorus, sulfur, boron and micronutrients.