DLF XL Creeping Rooted Alfalfa Seed 55lbs | Premium Multi-Cut | High Yield

DLF XL Creeping Rooted Alfalfa - Premium Multi-Cut Variety for Maximum Flexibility

Maximize your forage production, profit potential, and stand longevity with DLF XL, a premium creeping rooted alfalfa variety engineered to deliver superior yield, exceptional quality, and unmatched versatility across diverse growing conditions.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Creeping Root System: Unique spreading root architecture naturally fills in bare spots, wheel tracks, and thin areas, maintaining stand density and productivity over time
• Superior Forage Yield: Consistently delivers high tonnage per acre across multiple cuttings throughout the season
• Exceptional Forage Quality: High protein content, excellent digestibility, and superior palatability for maximum livestock performance
• Excellent Disease Resistance: Comprehensive resistance package protects against major alfalfa diseases, ensuring consistent stand health and productivity
• Outstanding Drought Tolerance: Deep, extensive root system accesses soil moisture during dry periods, maintaining production when other forages fail
• Maximum Flexibility: Adaptable to many soil types, climates, and management systems - from intensive dairy operations to dryland beef production
• Nitrogen Fixation: Naturally fixes atmospheric nitrogen, improving soil health and fertility while reducing fertilizer costs
• Long Stand Life: Combination of creeping roots, disease resistance, and stress tolerance delivers productive stands for 5+ years
• Continuous Innovation: Backed by DLF's world-leading alfalfa breeding program, ensuring access to the latest genetic improvements

Ideal For:

• Premium dairy hay and haylage production
• Beef cattle forage systems
• Rotational grazing pastures for cattle, horses, and sheep
• Dryland and irrigated forage production
• Mixed grass-alfalfa stands
• Soil improvement and nitrogen fixation
• Long-term forage stands (5+ years)
• Operations seeking maximum flexibility and profit potential

Why Choose DLF XL?

DLF XL represents the perfect balance of yield, quality, and adaptability. Its creeping root system sets it apart from traditional tap-rooted varieties, providing natural stand-filling ability that maintains productivity even in challenging conditions. Whether you're managing an intensive dairy operation requiring maximum quality or a dryland beef ranch needing drought tolerance, XL delivers consistent performance and profit potential. The comprehensive disease resistance package and stress tolerance ensure your investment pays dividends year after year.

The Creeping Root Advantage:

Unlike traditional tap-rooted alfalfa varieties, XL's creeping root system provides unique benefits:

• Self-Repairing Stands: Spreading roots naturally fill in bare areas, wheel tracks, and thin spots without reseeding
• Improved Persistence: Multiple growing points increase stand survival and longevity
• Better Traffic Tolerance: Spreading growth habit recovers more quickly from field traffic and equipment damage
• Enhanced Drought Survival: Extensive root network accesses moisture from larger soil volume
• Consistent Density: Maintains uniform stand throughout field life, maximizing yield potential

Disease Resistance Package:

XL provides excellent resistance to major alfalfa diseases including:

• Bacterial Wilt
• Fusarium Wilt
• Verticillium Wilt
• Phytophthora Root Rot
• Anthracnose
• Common Leaf Spot
• And other prevalent alfalfa diseases

This comprehensive disease protection ensures your stand stays healthy and productive, reducing yield losses and extending stand life.

Soil Health & Nitrogen Fixation:

As a legume, alfalfa naturally fixes atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria:

• Fixes 150-250 lbs of nitrogen per acre annually
• Reduces nitrogen fertilizer requirements for following crops
• Deep roots break up compacted soil layers
• Adds significant organic matter when incorporated
• Improves soil structure and water infiltration
• Excellent rotation crop for cereals and other crops

Agronomic Performance:

• Root Type: Creeping (spreading growth habit)
• Disease Resistance: Excellent comprehensive package
• Drought Tolerance: Outstanding - deep, extensive roots
• Winter Hardiness: Excellent cold tolerance
• Persistence: Superior - 5+ year stands with proper management
• Yield Potential: High across multiple cuttings
• Forage Quality: Premium protein and digestibility
• Adaptability: Wide range of soils and climates

Planting Guidelines:

• Seeding Rate: 15-20 lbs per acre (pure stand); 12-15 lbs per acre (with grass)
• Best Planting Time:
  • Spring: After last frost when soil reaches 50°F (10°C)
  • Late Summer: 6-8 weeks before first fall frost
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils with pH 6.5-7.5 optimal
• Depth: Plant 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep (shallow seeding is critical)
• Inoculation: Use fresh Rhizobium inoculant for optimal nitrogen fixation
• Fertility: Requires adequate phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and micronutrients
• Soil Test: Always soil test before planting to ensure proper fertility and pH

Management Tips:

• First Year: Take light first cutting to allow stand establishment; avoid heavy grazing or traffic
• Cutting Schedule: Harvest at 10% bloom or when new shoots appear at crown for optimal balance of yield and quality
• Stubble Height: Maintain 3-4 inch stubble to protect crowns and ensure rapid regrowth
• Fall Management: Final cutting should be 4-6 weeks before first frost to allow energy storage for winter
• Fertility: Apply phosphorus and potassium based on soil tests and crop removal; alfalfa fixes its own nitrogen
• Weed Control: Use labeled herbicides as needed; healthy alfalfa stands suppress most weeds
• Pest Management: Scout regularly for alfalfa weevil, aphids, and other pests

Expected Performance:

• Establishment: Rapid germination and vigorous seedling growth
• First Year Yield: 2-4 tons per acre (depending on planting date and cuttings)
• Mature Stand Yield: 5-8 tons per acre (depending on climate, soil, and management)
• Stand Life: 5+ years with proper management
• Forage Quality: Premium - high protein, excellent digestibility
• Adaptability: Performs well in diverse conditions from dryland to irrigated

Nutritional Value:

• Crude Protein: 18-22% (when cut at 10% bloom)
• Relative Feed Value (RFV): 150-180+ (premium quality)
• Digestibility: Excellent - highly digestible fiber
• Palatability: Superior - livestock show strong preference
• Energy: High TDN (Total Digestible Nutrients)
• Ideal for: Dairy cattle, beef cattle, horses, sheep, and goats

Climate & Soil Adaptation:

• Adapts to wide range of soil types when properly managed
• Performs well in both dryland and irrigated systems
• Excellent drought tolerance for low-rainfall areas
• Superior winter hardiness for cold climates
• Versatile across diverse growing regions

DLF XL Creeping Rooted Alfalfa is a product of DLF Pickseed, a global leader in forage breeding and seed production. With over 100 years of plant breeding expertise, DLF delivers innovative genetics that help farmers maximize profitability and sustainability.