Collection: Alfalfa Green Manure Seeds

Alfalfa grown as green manure provides a longer-lived legume stand with deep roots, nitrogen fixation, and substantial plant residue. It is best suited to rotations that can devote enough time to establishing and managing a perennial crop; it is not the same quick-turn option as a short-season annual cover crop.

Plan the stand before planting

• Rotation length: Decide how many seasons the alfalfa will remain before the next cash crop.
• Site fit: Confirm drainage, soil fertility and pH, available moisture, and winter-hardiness needs for the selected variety.
• Inoculation: Check whether seed is pre-inoculated or requires a compatible alfalfa inoculant.
• Termination: Allow time to mow, graze, or otherwise terminate the stand and manage regrowth before planting the following crop.

Nitrogen contribution and biomass vary with stand age, nodulation, fertility, water, cutting, and termination timing. Follow each product page for planting rate and seed-treatment details. To compare every alfalfa option, including the relevant inoculant, visit the main alfalfa seed collection. Shorter-duration alternatives are available in green manure cover crops.