Yield and cost-effectiveness of alfalfa hay production as dependent on fertilization

Abstract

Alfalfa is the most important forage crop in Serbia grown for high yields of quality fodder. In order to expand alfalfa production on pseudogleys, research was conducted in the vicinity of Kraljevo. Results suggest the potential for growing alfalfa on acid soils in Serbia. The combined use of 2.5 t ha-1 and 5 t ha-1 lime and 30 t ha-1 manure on the pseudogley increases the soil pH, humus content and available phosphorus and potassium levels, while decreasing the content of mobile aluminum, thus making the soil suitable for alfalfa production and high biomass yields (115.9 t ha-1) during 3-4 years of stand utilization.

Keywords

• alfalfa
• fertilization
• lime
• yield
• cost-effectiveness