Multistate project to evaluate alfalfa in northern climates

A University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist will study alfalfa in Alaska as part of a multistate effort to improve production in northern climates.

Caley Gasch, who is affiliated with the UAF Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension, will screen alfalfa varieties in Palmer and Fairbanks. As a co-principal investigator on the project, she will identify winter hardiness traits, potential varieties for Alaska cover crops and forage production, and soil benefits of alfalfa. 

"Northern Exposure: Adaptation of Alfalfa for Challenging Winter Climates" is a three-year, $924,037 U.S. Department of Agriculture project. It will be led by North Dakota State University, with collaborators at USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and the University of Missouri.

Alfalfa is the third-most widely produced crop in the United States. It provides environmental benefits such as improving soil health, fixing atmospheric nitrogen and enhancing biodiversity, but is prone to winter injury, which can be costly for growers. 

The research project will evaluate alfalfa in Alaska, North Dakota and Minnesota to determine how well the crop grows in cold climates and which types of alfalfa best adapt to challenging growing conditions. The goal is to provide farmers with research-based information that could improve production.

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