The effects of cutting intervals and seeding rates on forage yield and quality of alfalfa

Abstract

Understanding the effects of seeding rate and cutting intervals on dry matter yield and nutritive value may help to optimize of alfalfa production. The objective of this study was to investigate the optimum cutting interval and seeding rate of two cultivars of alfalfa (cv. Alsancak and cv. Nimet). Field experiments were carried out for 3 years in Mediterranean ecological conditions. The treatments were comprised of three cutting programs at 20, 30 and 40 days interval and two seeding rates (15 and 30 kg ha-1). The experiment was designed a split–split plot in a randomized complete block with 3 repetitions. The main plots were cutting intervals, sub-plots were seeding rates and sub –subplots were assigned as alfalfa cultivars. The results of the research showed that all properties inspected were significantly affected from the cutting intervals, the effect of the seeding rate and the cultivars were found to be not significant (except fresh forage yield). While the extended cutting intervals increased the forage yield, it reduced the forage quality. In terms of satisfactory forage yield and quality for similar ecological conditions, 30 days cutting interval and 15 kg ha-1 seeding rate have been advisable.