FORAGE YIELD POTENTIAL AND QUALITY ATTRIBUTES OF ALFALFA (Medicago sativa L.) UNDER VARIOUS AGRO-MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

Effect of cutting schedule, seeding rates and sowing methods on forage yield and quality of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was studied through field experiments conducted during growing seasons of 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). The treatments were comprised of three cutting schedules at 28, 35 and 42 days interval; three seeding rates (10, 15 and 20 kg ha(-1)) and four sowing methods (line sowing 30, 45, 60 cm apart rows and broadcast). The experiments were carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a split plot arrangement; cutting schedule was in the main plot while the seeding rates and sowing methods were in the subplots. Results from two consecutive years showed that the 42 days cutting schedule with 20 kg ha(-1) seeding rate and 30 cm row spacing produced significantly more number of stems m(-2), green forage and Dry Matter (DM) yields. Alfalfa harvested at 28 days cutting schedule with 20 kg ha(-1) and 30 cm row spacing had higher crude protein. However, 42 days cutting schedule with 10 kg ha(-1) and broadcast treatments produced significantly higher Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) and Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) over all other treatments. Thus, it is concluded that the seeding rate of 20 kg ha(-1) with 30 cm row spacing and thirty five days cutting schedule (C-2) has significant impact on forage yield and quality. Our results showed that using this practice, alfalfa growers can maximize both forage alfalfa yield and quality.