Lucerne (Medicago sativa)

Ref: LUCE

Lucerne is a very popular plant in the US, in the UK its mainly used for silage and haylage. It is a high protein nitrogen fixing legume which thrives on free draining, non-acidic soil and requires no fertiliser. The selection of the correct Lucerne variety is important due to winter dormancy and resistance against Verticillium wilt, a disease which is soil-borne and must be avoided if lucerne is to be grown regularly. Sow with a small seeds drill or broadcast. Lucerne requires a particular bacteria (rhizobium) to be present in the soil for it to nodulate successfully. Nodules on the roots allow the plants to fix nitrogen and develop correctly.The most reliable way to ensure this process takes place is to mix the rhizobium (or culture) with the seed immediately prior to sowing. See addition for culture packs