Planting alfalfa in barley stubble

Barley stubble can be a good seedbed for alfalfa but there can be some inhibition caused by allelopathic chemicals. Removal of straw is helpful. Significant rainfall or irrigation prior to planting also can help to leach the allelopathic chemicals deeper into the soil and away from new roots. Good planting equipment that controls seeding depth effectively is essential. Increasing seeding rate about 20% above rates used for a fully prepared seedbed has helped sometimes.