Humble Alfalfa Hay Offers Ecological Benefits

By Ayman M. Mostafa, Ph.D

The Southwest United States continues to endure a “megadrought,” a term used to describe drought conditions lasting at least two decades. As a result, the question of why we grow certain crops in the desert, specifically alfalfa hay, often arises.

The share of water going toward alfalfa hay production supports the dairy and livestock industry, ultimately our local food supply chain. Still, some believe the amount of water used to irrigate alfalfa is a major contributing factor to the region’s shortage, and fail to recognize alfalfa’s economic efficiencies, environmental impacts and agronomic benefits to our ecosystem.

Alfalfa in the Southwest ecosystem provides many environmental benefits.

Besides its economic importance, alfalfa also may help reduce the impacts of climate change. Because it covers the soil for a longer time than any other crop, alfalfa is envisioned as a leading