Mljekarstvo (Dec 2006)
Yield, chemical composition and persistence of alfalfa on moderately acidic mountain soil
Abstract
Due to its excellent nutritional characteristics and high yields, alfalfa is the most important forage crop in roughage production. The main limiting factor in global food production is soil acidification. At the moment, about 40% of world agricultural soils are acidic. It is difficult to grow alfalfa on acid soils (pH 0.05). Average DM yield of all cultivars in the year 2000 was 7.07 t/ha, in the year 2001 it was 10.94 t/ha, and finally in the year 2002 it was 12.78 t/ha. Significant differences in DM yields were recorded between cuttings (P0.05). Mean crude protein content was 28.2%, while contents of crude fat, crude fibers and non nitrogen free extract (NFE) were 3.73%, 16.15%, 29.19%, respectively. No significant differences in alfalfa ground cover were recorded between cultivars in autumn or in spring in all experimental years (P>0.05). Significant differences in alfalfa ground cover in autumn (P<0.05) and in spring (P<0.01) were recorded between years. The lowest average ground cover was recorded in last experimental year: in the autumn of the year 2001(72.81%) and in the spring of the year 2002 (64.37%). All investigated alfalfa cultivars are suitable for growing in similar agroecological conditions.
