VARIATIONS IN THE ALFALFA FORAGE YIELD PER CUTS IN THE FIRST VEGETATION YEAR
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Published:
Dec 15, 2022
Keywords:
alfalfa, seeding rate, row spacing, cultivar, fresh forage, and dry matter yield
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Abstract
Understanding the effects of seeding rate and row spacing on fresh and dry matter yield may help obtain optimal and cost-effective alfalfa production (Medicago sativa L.). The objective of this study was to determine the optimal seeding rate and row spacing when sowing different alfalfa genotypes. A field experiment was set up in the fall of 2020 in Zlokukjani of Skopje settlement, North Macedonia, according to a split-split plot design in a randomized complete block in three replications. The treatments in the experiment include two seeding rates (8 and 16 kg ha-1), two row spaces (20 and 40 cm), and four alfalfa cultivars. The obtained results show a significant influence of the sowing method (row spacing) on the two examined traits (fresh and dry forage yield) compared to the seeding rate, which did not show significant differences in yield. The highest yield of fresh (26 t ha-1) and dry (7.04 t ha-1) forage is achieved in the first cut at a sowing distance of 20 cm. Our one-year research recommends that when applying appropriate agro-technical methods in crop establishment and temperate climatic conditions, there is no justification for applying high sowing norms (over 16 kg ha-1). The selection of an appropriate commercial cultivar and row spacing are inevitable items within an agronomic production technology to obtain optimal alfalfa forage production.
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References
Abdel-Rahman, M.E. & Abu Suwar, O.A. (2012) Effect of Seeding Rate on Growth and Yield of Two Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars. International Journal of Sudan Research, 2 (2), 141-154.
Alibala, A., Pasha, Z., Azada, Z. & Subaxat, I. (2017) Dependence of the Yield of Alfalfa on Plant Density and Diet. American Journal of Plant Sciences, 8, 2722-2731.
Atis, I., Celiktas, N., Can, E. & Yilmaz, S. (2019) The Effects of Cutting Intervals and Seeding Rates on Forage Yield and Quality of Alfalfa. Turkish Journal of Field Crops, 24 (1), 12-20.
Baxevanos, D., Loka, D. & Tsialtas, T. (2021) Evaluation of Alfalfa Cultivars Under Rainfed Mediterranean Conditions. The Journal of Agricultural Science, 159, 281-292.
Berti, M.T. & Samarappuli, D. (2018) How Does Sowing Rate Affect Plant and Stem Density, Forage Yield, and Nutritive Value in Glyphosate-Tolerant Alfalfa? Agronomy, 8 (9), 169.
Bolger, T.P. & Meyer, D.W. (1983) Influence of Plant Density on Alfalfa Yield and Quality. In Proceedings of the American Forage and Grassland Council, Eau Claire, WI, USA, 23-26 January; 37-41.
Bouton, H.J. (2012) Breeding lucerne for persistence. Crop and Pasture Science, 63, 95-106.
Brink, G., Hall, M., Shewmaker, G., Undersander, D., Martin, N. & Walgenbach, R. (2010) Changes in Alfalfa Yield and Nutritive Value within Individual Harvest Periods. Agronomy Journal, 102 (4), 1274-1282.
Choccaro, C. & Lloveras, J. (2014) The effect of row spacing on alfalfa seed and forage production under irrigated Mediterranean agricultural conditions. Grass and Forage Science, 70, 651-660.
Djaman, K., Owen, C., Koudahe, K. & O’Neill, M. (2020) Evaluation of Different Fall Dormancy-Rating Alfalfa Cultivars for Forage Yield in a Semiarid Environment. Agronomy, 10 (1), 146.
Geun, K.J., Chan, J.E., Fen, L.Y., Jin, K.H. & Farhad, A. (2021) Effect of Seeding Rate on Forage Quality Components and Productivity of Alfalfa in Alpine Area of Korea. Journal of the Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science, 41 (3), 168-175.
Glaspie, C.F., McCordick, S.A., Dietz, T.S., Kells, J.J., Leep, R.H. & Everman, W.J. (2011) Effect of Seeding Rate and Weed Control on Glyphosate-Resistant Alfalfa Establishment. Weed Technology, 25, 230-238.
Hakl, J., Pisarčik, M., Fuksa, P. & Šantrůček, J. (2021) Potential of lucerne sowing rate to influence root development and its implications for field stand productivity. Grass and Forage Science, 76 (3), 378-389.
Hall, M.H., Dillon, J.M., Stambaugh, N.S., Hebrock, J.L., Caddel, V.N., Owens, R.M., Sulc, R.M., Undersander, D.J. & Whitesides, R.E. (2012) The Effects of Seeding Rate on Older Stands of Glyphosate-Tolerant Alfalfa. Agronomy Journal, 104 (4), 1096-1099.
Hall, M.H., Hebrock, N.S., Pierson, P.E., Caddel, J.L., Owens, V.N., Sulc, R.M., Undersander, D.J., Whitesides, R.E. (2010) The effects of glyphosate-tolerant technology on reduced alfalfa seeding rates. Agronomy Journal, 102, 911-916.
Hall, M.H., Nelson, C.J., Coutts, J.H. & Stout, R.C. (2004) Effect of Seeding Rate on Alfalfa Stand Longevity. Agronomy Journal, 96 (3), 717-722.
Hansen, L. & Krueger, C. (1973) Effect of establishment method, variety, and seeding rate on the production and quality of alfalfa under dryland and irrigation. Agronomy Journal, 65, 755-759.
He, F., Xie, K. & Li, X. (2018) Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Seeding Rate on Yield of Alfalfa and Weeds. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 27 (2), 647-653.
Hui-gang, L., Jun-mei, K., Rui-cai, L., Hua-ling, X., Xiao-fang, C., Qing-chuan, Y., and Tie-jun, Z. (2019) Effects of seeding rate and row spacing on the hay yield and quality of alfalfa in saline-alkali land. Acta Prataculturae Sinica, 28 (3), 164-174.
Ивановски, Р. П. (2000). Фуражно производство. Скопје: Универзитет ,,Св. Кирил и Методиј". 341 с.
Jefferson, P.G. & Cutforth, H.W. (1997) Sward age and weather effects on alfalfa yield at a semi-arid location in southwestern Saskatchewan. Canadian Journal of Plant Science, 77, 595-599.
Kalu, B.A. & Fick, G.W. (1981) Quantifying morphological development of alfalfa for studies of herbage quality. Crop Science, 21 (2), 267–271.
Katanski, S., Milić, D., Ćupina, B., Zorić, M., Milošević, B. & Živanov, D. (2020) Effect of harvest maturity stage and seeding rate on alfalfa yield and quality. Ratarstvo & Povrtarstvo, 57 (2), 35-42.
Li, X. & Brummer, E.C. (2012) Applied Genetics and Genomics in Alfalfa Breeding. Agronomy, 2, 40-61.
Lloveras, J., Chocarro, C., Freixes, O., Arque, E., Moreno, A., Santiveri, F. (2008) Yield, yield components, and forage nutritive value of alfalfa as affected by seeding rate under irrigated conditions. Agronomy Journal, 100, 191–197.
Lü, H.G., Kang, J.M., Long, R.C., Xu, H.L., Chen, X.F., Yang, Q.C., Zhang, T.J. (2019) Effect of Seeding Rate and Row Spacing on the Hay Yield and Quality of Alfalfa in Saline-alkali Land. Acta Prataculturae Sinica, 28 (3), 164-174.
Mattera, J., Romero, L.A., Cuatrin, A.L., Cornaglia, P.S. & Grimoldi, A.A. (2013) Yield components, light interception, and radiation use efficiency of Lucerne (Medicago Sativa L.) in response to row spacing. European Journal of Agronomy, 45, 87-95.
Milić, D., Katanski, S., Milošević, B. & Živanov, D. (2019) Variety selection in intensive alfalfa cutting management. Ratarstvo & Povrtarstvo, 56 (1), 20-25.
Milić, D., Katić, S., Katanski, S., Dugalić, G., Bokan, N. & Vasiljević, S. (2014) Effect of Genotype and Applied Management on Alfalfa Yield and Quality. Ratarstvo & Povrtarstvo, 51 (2), 91-99.
Rhouma, B.H., Taski-Ajdukovic, K., Zitouna, N., Sdouga, D., Milic, D. & Trifi-Farah, N. (2017) Assessment of the genetic variation in alfalfa genotypes using SRAP markers for breeding purposes. Chilean Journal of Agricultural Research, 77 (4), 332-339.
Rimi, F., Macolino, S., Leinauer, B., Lauriault, M.L. & Ziliotto, U. (2012) Fall Dormancy and Harvest Stage Effects on Alfalfa Nutritive Value in a Subtropical Climate. Agronomy Journal, 104 (2), 415-422.
Stanisavljević, R., Beković, D., Djukić, D., Stevović, V., Terzić, D., Milenković, J. & Djokić, D. (2012) Influence of plant density on yield components, yield, and quality of seed and forage yields of Alfalfa varieties. Romanian Agricultural Research, 29, 245-254.
State Statistical Office, Republic of North Macedonia (2021) – https://www.stat.gov.mk/
Suttie, J.M. (2000) Hay and straw conservation for small-scale farming and pastoral conditions, FAO plant production and protection. Series No. 29, Rome, 89-95.
Undersander, D., Cosgrove, D., Cullen, E., Grau, C., Rice, E.M., Renz, M., Sheaffer, C., Shewmaker, G. & Sulc, M. (2011) Alfalfa Management Guide; American Society of Agronomy, Inc. Crop Science Society of America, Inc. Soil Science Society of America, Inc.: WI, USA.
UHMR, Hydrometeorological Administration - https://www.uhmr.gov.mk/
Volenec, J.J., Cherney, J.H. & Johnson, K.D. (1987) Yield Components, Plant Morphology, and Forage Quality of Alfalfa as Influenced by Plant Population. Crop Science, 27, 321-326.
Yan-Hua, W., Cheng-Zhang, W., De-Feng, L., Ai-Rong, Z., Sheng-Li, Q. & Guan-Zhen, L. (2017) Effects of seeding rate on plant number, production performance, and quality of alfalfa. Acta Prataculturae Sinica, 26 (2), 123-135.
Zhang, Z., Liu, F., Wang, Y. & Zhang, T. (2008) Effect of Cultivar, Row spacing and Seeding Rate on Alfalfa Hay Yield. Proceedings of XXI International Grassland Congress / VIII International Rangeland Congress, Hohhot, China. 29 June – 5 July 2008, 748.
Alibala, A., Pasha, Z., Azada, Z. & Subaxat, I. (2017) Dependence of the Yield of Alfalfa on Plant Density and Diet. American Journal of Plant Sciences, 8, 2722-2731.
Atis, I., Celiktas, N., Can, E. & Yilmaz, S. (2019) The Effects of Cutting Intervals and Seeding Rates on Forage Yield and Quality of Alfalfa. Turkish Journal of Field Crops, 24 (1), 12-20.
Baxevanos, D., Loka, D. & Tsialtas, T. (2021) Evaluation of Alfalfa Cultivars Under Rainfed Mediterranean Conditions. The Journal of Agricultural Science, 159, 281-292.
Berti, M.T. & Samarappuli, D. (2018) How Does Sowing Rate Affect Plant and Stem Density, Forage Yield, and Nutritive Value in Glyphosate-Tolerant Alfalfa? Agronomy, 8 (9), 169.
Bolger, T.P. & Meyer, D.W. (1983) Influence of Plant Density on Alfalfa Yield and Quality. In Proceedings of the American Forage and Grassland Council, Eau Claire, WI, USA, 23-26 January; 37-41.
Bouton, H.J. (2012) Breeding lucerne for persistence. Crop and Pasture Science, 63, 95-106.
Brink, G., Hall, M., Shewmaker, G., Undersander, D., Martin, N. & Walgenbach, R. (2010) Changes in Alfalfa Yield and Nutritive Value within Individual Harvest Periods. Agronomy Journal, 102 (4), 1274-1282.
Choccaro, C. & Lloveras, J. (2014) The effect of row spacing on alfalfa seed and forage production under irrigated Mediterranean agricultural conditions. Grass and Forage Science, 70, 651-660.
Djaman, K., Owen, C., Koudahe, K. & O’Neill, M. (2020) Evaluation of Different Fall Dormancy-Rating Alfalfa Cultivars for Forage Yield in a Semiarid Environment. Agronomy, 10 (1), 146.
Geun, K.J., Chan, J.E., Fen, L.Y., Jin, K.H. & Farhad, A. (2021) Effect of Seeding Rate on Forage Quality Components and Productivity of Alfalfa in Alpine Area of Korea. Journal of the Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science, 41 (3), 168-175.
Glaspie, C.F., McCordick, S.A., Dietz, T.S., Kells, J.J., Leep, R.H. & Everman, W.J. (2011) Effect of Seeding Rate and Weed Control on Glyphosate-Resistant Alfalfa Establishment. Weed Technology, 25, 230-238.
Hakl, J., Pisarčik, M., Fuksa, P. & Šantrůček, J. (2021) Potential of lucerne sowing rate to influence root development and its implications for field stand productivity. Grass and Forage Science, 76 (3), 378-389.
Hall, M.H., Dillon, J.M., Stambaugh, N.S., Hebrock, J.L., Caddel, V.N., Owens, R.M., Sulc, R.M., Undersander, D.J. & Whitesides, R.E. (2012) The Effects of Seeding Rate on Older Stands of Glyphosate-Tolerant Alfalfa. Agronomy Journal, 104 (4), 1096-1099.
Hall, M.H., Hebrock, N.S., Pierson, P.E., Caddel, J.L., Owens, V.N., Sulc, R.M., Undersander, D.J., Whitesides, R.E. (2010) The effects of glyphosate-tolerant technology on reduced alfalfa seeding rates. Agronomy Journal, 102, 911-916.
Hall, M.H., Nelson, C.J., Coutts, J.H. & Stout, R.C. (2004) Effect of Seeding Rate on Alfalfa Stand Longevity. Agronomy Journal, 96 (3), 717-722.
Hansen, L. & Krueger, C. (1973) Effect of establishment method, variety, and seeding rate on the production and quality of alfalfa under dryland and irrigation. Agronomy Journal, 65, 755-759.
He, F., Xie, K. & Li, X. (2018) Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Seeding Rate on Yield of Alfalfa and Weeds. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 27 (2), 647-653.
Hui-gang, L., Jun-mei, K., Rui-cai, L., Hua-ling, X., Xiao-fang, C., Qing-chuan, Y., and Tie-jun, Z. (2019) Effects of seeding rate and row spacing on the hay yield and quality of alfalfa in saline-alkali land. Acta Prataculturae Sinica, 28 (3), 164-174.
Ивановски, Р. П. (2000). Фуражно производство. Скопје: Универзитет ,,Св. Кирил и Методиј". 341 с.
Jefferson, P.G. & Cutforth, H.W. (1997) Sward age and weather effects on alfalfa yield at a semi-arid location in southwestern Saskatchewan. Canadian Journal of Plant Science, 77, 595-599.
Kalu, B.A. & Fick, G.W. (1981) Quantifying morphological development of alfalfa for studies of herbage quality. Crop Science, 21 (2), 267–271.
Katanski, S., Milić, D., Ćupina, B., Zorić, M., Milošević, B. & Živanov, D. (2020) Effect of harvest maturity stage and seeding rate on alfalfa yield and quality. Ratarstvo & Povrtarstvo, 57 (2), 35-42.
Li, X. & Brummer, E.C. (2012) Applied Genetics and Genomics in Alfalfa Breeding. Agronomy, 2, 40-61.
Lloveras, J., Chocarro, C., Freixes, O., Arque, E., Moreno, A., Santiveri, F. (2008) Yield, yield components, and forage nutritive value of alfalfa as affected by seeding rate under irrigated conditions. Agronomy Journal, 100, 191–197.
Lü, H.G., Kang, J.M., Long, R.C., Xu, H.L., Chen, X.F., Yang, Q.C., Zhang, T.J. (2019) Effect of Seeding Rate and Row Spacing on the Hay Yield and Quality of Alfalfa in Saline-alkali Land. Acta Prataculturae Sinica, 28 (3), 164-174.
Mattera, J., Romero, L.A., Cuatrin, A.L., Cornaglia, P.S. & Grimoldi, A.A. (2013) Yield components, light interception, and radiation use efficiency of Lucerne (Medicago Sativa L.) in response to row spacing. European Journal of Agronomy, 45, 87-95.
Milić, D., Katanski, S., Milošević, B. & Živanov, D. (2019) Variety selection in intensive alfalfa cutting management. Ratarstvo & Povrtarstvo, 56 (1), 20-25.
Milić, D., Katić, S., Katanski, S., Dugalić, G., Bokan, N. & Vasiljević, S. (2014) Effect of Genotype and Applied Management on Alfalfa Yield and Quality. Ratarstvo & Povrtarstvo, 51 (2), 91-99.
Rhouma, B.H., Taski-Ajdukovic, K., Zitouna, N., Sdouga, D., Milic, D. & Trifi-Farah, N. (2017) Assessment of the genetic variation in alfalfa genotypes using SRAP markers for breeding purposes. Chilean Journal of Agricultural Research, 77 (4), 332-339.
Rimi, F., Macolino, S., Leinauer, B., Lauriault, M.L. & Ziliotto, U. (2012) Fall Dormancy and Harvest Stage Effects on Alfalfa Nutritive Value in a Subtropical Climate. Agronomy Journal, 104 (2), 415-422.
Stanisavljević, R., Beković, D., Djukić, D., Stevović, V., Terzić, D., Milenković, J. & Djokić, D. (2012) Influence of plant density on yield components, yield, and quality of seed and forage yields of Alfalfa varieties. Romanian Agricultural Research, 29, 245-254.
State Statistical Office, Republic of North Macedonia (2021) – https://www.stat.gov.mk/
Suttie, J.M. (2000) Hay and straw conservation for small-scale farming and pastoral conditions, FAO plant production and protection. Series No. 29, Rome, 89-95.
Undersander, D., Cosgrove, D., Cullen, E., Grau, C., Rice, E.M., Renz, M., Sheaffer, C., Shewmaker, G. & Sulc, M. (2011) Alfalfa Management Guide; American Society of Agronomy, Inc. Crop Science Society of America, Inc. Soil Science Society of America, Inc.: WI, USA.
UHMR, Hydrometeorological Administration - https://www.uhmr.gov.mk/
Volenec, J.J., Cherney, J.H. & Johnson, K.D. (1987) Yield Components, Plant Morphology, and Forage Quality of Alfalfa as Influenced by Plant Population. Crop Science, 27, 321-326.
Yan-Hua, W., Cheng-Zhang, W., De-Feng, L., Ai-Rong, Z., Sheng-Li, Q. & Guan-Zhen, L. (2017) Effects of seeding rate on plant number, production performance, and quality of alfalfa. Acta Prataculturae Sinica, 26 (2), 123-135.
Zhang, Z., Liu, F., Wang, Y. & Zhang, T. (2008) Effect of Cultivar, Row spacing and Seeding Rate on Alfalfa Hay Yield. Proceedings of XXI International Grassland Congress / VIII International Rangeland Congress, Hohhot, China. 29 June – 5 July 2008, 748.