Poljoprivreda (Jun 2002)
EFFECT OF SOIL pH ON P AND Ca UPTAKE TO THE ABOVE GROUND BIOMASS OF ALFALFA (Medicago sativa L.)
Abstract
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) has been grown on two locations – Osijek (Eutric Cambisols with pH 1n KCl=5.4) and Petrijevci (Loessive pseudogley with pH 1n KCl=4.36) in eastern Croatia area during two years. Field experiments were set up as randomized block system in four replicates. Seeding was carried out by two new genotypes from gene collection of the Agricultural Institute in Osijek. Above ground biomass of alfalfa was removed in the budding-blooming stage. Three mowings were accomplished in the first investigation year on both locations. Five mowings were carried out on Osijek location in the second investigation year and three on Petrijevci. Total dry matter yield of 11.5 tha-1 was achieved on the average for genotypes and years in Osijek location whereas in Petrijevci it amounted to 6.95 tha-1. Concentration of P was 0.367%/DM and Ca 1.01%/DM on the average for genotypes, swaths and years on Osijek location while on Petrijevci the situation was as follows: P 0.321%/DM and Ca 0.94%/DM.
