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Why do we grow alfalfa in the desert?

Writer's picture: Nicole ClementsNicole Clements
Maricopa County Alfalfa Field
Maricopa County Alfalfa Field

It seems the only time we hear about agriculture in the media in Arizona it revolves around alfalfa and water.


There is so much more to Arizona agriculture than the snippets you see on the evening news. Arizona's alfalfa crop has a primary customer, and it's not exports; it's dairy cows right here in the Grand Canyon State. But before we dive into where the alfalfa is going, let's take a look at it's impact on the field it's planted in.


Firstly, alfalfa is a legume that naturally fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere. This means it does not require nitrogen fertilization and also enhances the residual nitrogen in the soil that will benefit subsequent crops in that field. On top of the nitrogen benefits, alfalfa is a crop with an extensive and deep rooting system. This increases soil aggregation and structure, which in turn improves water infiltration and penetration through the soil profile while also improving soil aeration. These factors come together to foster a healthy soil environment for the land it is planted on.


Although alfalfa is an irrigated crop here in Arizona, it proves to be one of the most efficient water use crops and is recognized worldwide as one of the most important crops in regenerative agriculture. The plant makes the most use out of each drop of water it intakes, and the water not absorbed is not wasted-that water serves as recharge for the basins.


Some might continue to say, "Well if it has to be irrigated, why grow it here at all?"


The average yield of Arizona alfalfa is 8.2 tons per acre, which is more than 2.5 times the national average of 3.2 tons per acre. Of the top 10 counties in the nation for alfalfa production, Arizona counties claim 7 of those spots. On top of the extremely high and efficient crop yields, because of our 350 days of sunshine per year we average 9 cuttings per year. Most other regions are only able to produce enough for an average of 3 cuttings per year because of their climate. So not only are we able to produce 2.5 times more product, but we are able to harvest that product year-round.


Now we know WHY we grow it here, but where is it really going? You're probably thinking exports, because why else would we grow all this forage here if not to make money in the export market? Well that is partially correct. On average we export around 15% of alfalfa grown in Arizona to other countries and states. The rest of that forage stays right here in Arizona and supports our robust animal protein operations. From our significant dairy operations to feedlot cattle that crop is being utilized right here in Arizona to provide a substantial and essential food source for Arizonans. So while you may not munch directly on alfalfa, it is an essential foodstuff for our 176,000 head of cows and 142,000 head of horses that call Arizona home.


Removing alfalfa from Arizona's agriculture profile would have devastating affects on the environment, economy, and the food supply. Alfalfa serves as a multi-year crop reducing soil erosion. It anchors the soil, allows for minimal passes of equipment in the fields and manages it's own carbon footprint. Each acre of alfalfa is helping to combat PM (particulate matter) emissions while also providing a habitat for our essential pollinators!


Arizona's alfalfa production is valued at more than $468 million. If we don't grow it here, we become importers of alfalfa to ensure we have enough of a supply to support the industries that need it. That import comes at a cost, and that cost would be reflected at the grocery shelf.


We are thankful for those farmers who are dedicated to producing alfalfa and continuing to pursue their goals of efficiency in agriculture.

"You know, farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from a corn field." President Dwight D. Eisenhower


Information sourced from: Arizona Farm Bureau, Dr. Jeffrey Silvertooth; University of Arizona Department of Environmental Science, Arizona Department of Agriculture, USDA Agriculture Census



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