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The local challenge
Alfalfa is a nitrogen-fixing legume that has to hold a stand for four to five years, and it can only do that on calcium-saturated, well-buffered soil. When Ca base saturation drops below about 65%, the nodules slow, the crown weakens, and the stand thins a year early. That's the most expensive thing that can happen to a hay budget.
Deep phosphorus and potassium feed crown depth and regrowth; sulfur holds the protein that grades the hay; boron defends seed set and stand longevity. Dry broadcast programs stratify P-K near the surface and skip the sulfur and boron almost entirely.
