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Managing hail-damaged alfalfa and red clover

Steve Barnhart (July, 1999)

Summary

Each summer Iowa experiences random hail events. Although most of the media attention is focused on damage to row crops, forage crops also can be damaged. Hail damage to alfalfa and red clover occurs in varying degrees of severity ranging from some terminal bud and leaf damage to completely defoliated plants. Stands also may be lodged by accompanying wind and rain.