Alfalfa/Lucerne Meal (nitrogen, triacontanol)
Alfalfa Meal, known as lucerne meal in New Zealand, is ground lucerne hay from an organic farm. It is a mild nitrogen fertiliser and soil conditioner for beds, potting mixes, compost and worm bins.
At a glance
- Type: single input amendment (ground lucerne hay)
- Analysis: NPK about 3:1:2 (estimated, no test on file)
- Use for: top dressing, potting mixes, compost accelerator, worm bins
- Rate: half a cup per 30 litres of potting soil, or a quarter to half a cup per plant as a top dress
- Origin: grown on an organic farm in New Zealand
What it is
Alfalfa Meal (Medicago sativa, lucerne in New Zealand) is the whole plant cut, dried and ground. Ours is grown on an organic farm. Lucerne is a legume, so the hay carries more nitrogen than most dried plant material, along with the sugars and fibre that compost and soil life feed on.
Lucerne is also the plant in which the growth regulator triacontanol was first identified; growers use lucerne meal partly for that reason. We do not have a triacontanol figure for this meal.
What it does
- Adds nitrogen slowly as the hay breaks down, with some potassium and a little phosphorus.
- Feeds soil biology and speeds up a compost pile as a green, nitrogen rich ingredient.
- Growers use it as a mild all round top dress on worn soils between crops.
Analysis
NPK = 3 - 1 - 2 (estimated; no batch test on file)
How to use
- Potting soil: half a cup per 30 litres when making the mix.
- Top dress: a quarter to half a cup per plant.
- Compost pile or worm bin: a handful at a time.
Watch out
- Do not use sprayed lucerne hay or pellets in a garden. Herbicide residues from hay can persist and damage sensitive crops. We only sell lucerne grown on an organic farm.
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Handling and storage
- Wear a mask to avoid inhaling particles and open in a well ventilated area.
- Wear gloves and eye protection, and wash hands after use.
- Once opened, keep sealed and dry.
- If ingested, or if the product comes into contact with eyes or causes skin irritation, rinse the area well and call the National Poisons Centre on 0800 POISON (0800 764 766).
Shipping and returns
We ship nationwide across New Zealand. Orders are usually dispatched within 1 to 2 business days and rural delivery can take longer. Unopened products can be returned within 30 days.
