The effect of a cutting schedule on the germination and size of alfalfa seeds

Abstract

Owing to its characteristics, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is important for the production of high-quality fodder. Its seed yields vary widely and are heavily influenced by environmental factors. The synchronization of alfalfa seed harvest requirements with environmental factors is partially possible through the cutting system. The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of a cutting schedule on the germination and size of alfalfa seeds. The pre-cutting time did not significantly affect the absolute mass within a 1 pre-cut system, whereas the number of pre-cuts had a reducing impact on the absolute mass within a 2 pre-cut system. The cutting system had no significant effects on seed germination. While the ecological conditions during the year had significant impacts, the lowest seed germination was recorded in the year with the highest rainfall during the summer period.

Keywords

• alfalfa
• seed
• germination
• cutting