California is one of the major alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) forage-producing states in the U.S, but its production area has decreased significantly in the last couple of decades. Selection of cultivars with high yield ...California is one of the major alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) forage-producing states in the U.S, but its production area has decreased significantly in the last couple of decades. Selection of cultivars with high yield and nutritive value under late-cutting schedule strategy may help identify cultivars that growers can use to maximize yield while maintaining area for sustainable alfalfa production, but there is little information on this strategy. A field study was conducted to determine cumulative dry matter (DM) and nutritive values of 20 semi- and non-fall dormant (FD) ratings (FD 7 and FD 8 - 10, respectively) cultivars under 35-day cut in California’s Central Valley in 2020-2022. Seasonal cumulative DM yields ranged from 6.8 in 2020 to 37.0 Mg·ha−1 in 2021. Four FD 8 - 9 cultivars were the highest yielding with 3-yrs avg. DM greater than the lowest yielding lines by 46%. FD 7 cultivar “715RR” produced the highest crude protein (CP: 240 g·Kg−1) while FD 8 cultivar “HVX840RR” resulted in the highest neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD: 484 g·Kg−1, 7% greater than the top yielding cultivars) but with DM yield intermediate. Yields and NDFD correlated positively but weakly indicating some semi- and non-FD cultivars performing similarly. These results suggest that selecting high yielding cultivars under 35-day cutting schedule strategy can be used as a tool to help growers to maximize yield while achieving good quality forages for sustainable alfalfa production in California’s Central Valley.展开更多
[ Objective] To explore the mixture sowing effects and optimal mixture ratio of alfalfa and orchard grass. [ Method] The alfalfa and orchard grass were sowed at different ratios (1 : 0, 3: 1, 1 : 1, 1 : 3 and 0...[ Objective] To explore the mixture sowing effects and optimal mixture ratio of alfalfa and orchard grass. [ Method] The alfalfa and orchard grass were sowed at different ratios (1 : 0, 3: 1, 1 : 1, 1 : 3 and 0:1 ). They were grouped and named as CK1, A1, A2, A3 and CK2., respectively. The forage yield, relative yield total (RYT) and the competition rate (CR) of alfalfa and orchard grass in each group were determined, respectively. [ Result] In the A3 treatment group, the total forage yield was the highest (4 827.67 kg/hm2) and significantly different from that of other treatment groups ( P 〈 0.01 ). In every treatment group, the RYT was higher than 1, and the alfalfa was more competitive than the orchard grass in the mixed-seeding pasture. [ Conclusion] Our studies may provide a basis for the establishment of high yield and high quality artificial mixture pasture.展开更多
Cultivar selection is important for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay production. From 2009 to 2012, a field study was conducted to evaluate the dry matter yield (DMY) of 28 cultivars in Cangzhou District of Hebei ...Cultivar selection is important for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay production. From 2009 to 2012, a field study was conducted to evaluate the dry matter yield (DMY) of 28 cultivars in Cangzhou District of Hebei Province, China, and to determine the most suitable cultivars for this province and other zones with similar climate conditions. 28 alfalfa cultivars were sown in late March of 2009 and were harvested for hay four times in each subsequent year. The results showed that the climatic conditions resulted in significant differences in annual DMY among years, with the second year being the highest and the first year the lowest. The top five cultivars with the highest total DMY were L2750 (62.75 t ha^-1), Hom (62.72 t ha^-1), 86-266 (61.55 t ha^-1), German (61.44 t ha^-1) and Zhongmu 1 (61.18 t ha^-1), respectively. Across all four years, first harvest had the highest ratios to annual DMY except the cultivar of Rambler, while the fourth harvest had the lowest ratio. There were positive correlation relationships between DMY of each harvest and annual DMY, and the correlation coefficients were all significant in four years. And the path coefficients of first harvest were always the highest in four years. The qualities showed small variations among these cultivars and the cultivar L3750 presented the highest crude protein in both years. Crude protein had significant positive correlation with relative feed value (RFV) in both years while crude fiber had significant negative correlation with RFV and crude fiber.展开更多
Understanding the relationship between dry matter yield and nutritive value throughout the growing season will help optimize the cutting intervals between harvests in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). The Ogallala Aquifer...Understanding the relationship between dry matter yield and nutritive value throughout the growing season will help optimize the cutting intervals between harvests in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). The Ogallala Aquifer is a very important water source when growing alfalfa in Southwest Kansas and unfortunately, the water level of the Ogallala Aquifer is shrinking. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum cutting interval that optimizes dry matter yield and nutritive values of alfalfa. Alfalfa was harvested with different cutting intervals, i.e., every 28, 35, 42 and 49 day, which was equivalent of 5, 4, 4, and 3 cuttings per year, respectively in 2013 and 2014. Based on 2-yr total yield, by delaying alfalfa harvest by 21 days, i.e., from every 28th day to 49th day, alfalfa yield increased by 2.25 Mg/ha whereas by 5.58 Mg/ha by delaying cutting intervals from every 28th day to 42nd day. Although harvesting alfalfa every 42nd day had the same cutting frequency as the 35th day treatment (i.e., 4 cuttings per year), the treatment harvesting every 42nd day had significantly higher alfalfa yield than 35th day cutting interval. Alfalfa yield increased by approximately 20% by delaying one week for harvesting alfalfa from 35th to 42nd day interval, based on dry matter yields of 2013 and 2014. As cutting interval increased from every 28th to 49th day, crude protein (CP) content decreased. In contrast to CP, acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber increased as the cutting interval and stage of maturity increased in 2013 and 2014. The results suggest that alfalfa producers in Southwest Kansas possibly could reduce the cutting frequency from 5 to 4 per year. Cutting interval of every 42nd day between harvests appears to be the optimum when considered a dry matter yield and nutritive values in alfalfa.展开更多
Growth traits of root system of 13 autumn-sowing alfalfa cultivars were analyzed. The results indicated that there were significant difference in growth pa- rameters of root system among alfalfa cultivars ( P 〈 0.05...Growth traits of root system of 13 autumn-sowing alfalfa cultivars were analyzed. The results indicated that there were significant difference in growth pa- rameters of root system among alfalfa cultivars ( P 〈 0.05 ). The cultivars, Prime and WI323, showed the highest root biomass ( higher than 32 g) ; cuhivar WI323 had the largest lateral root number (17.8 branches). Cultivars Prime, WI323, Super7 and L90 had better root traits than other cultivars based on comprehensive evaluation. Among three times of mowing within a year, root growth and development of alfalfa had mutual promotion with the first and second time growth of abovegraund part, but had competition with the third time growth. Overwintering alfalfa root restricted the grass yield in the following year, especially the third-cut yield in the next year.展开更多
[ Objective] To study the effects of combined application of different elements on alfalfa hay yield. [ Medthod] Potassium sulfate, ammonium chloride, superphosphate and magnesium oxide were applied to alfalfa field i...[ Objective] To study the effects of combined application of different elements on alfalfa hay yield. [ Medthod] Potassium sulfate, ammonium chloride, superphosphate and magnesium oxide were applied to alfalfa field in the experiment, and quaternary quadratic regression orthogonal combination was used to examine the effects of the experiment factors on hay yield of alfalfa. [ Result] The order of targets based on the effects on hay yield is as follows: potassium sulfate 〉 ammonium chloride 〉 magnesium oxide 〉 superphosphate. Among them, the potassium sulfate had a significant impact on alfalfa hay yield. The interaction between potassium sulfate and magnesium oxide also had a significant impact on alfalfa hay yield. [ Conclusion] The optimal cultivation measures for alfalfa hay yield of more than 19 224.6 kg/hm^2 are as follows: potassium sulfate, 163.253 - 181.679 kg/hm^2 ; ammonium chloride, 155.877 - 174.258 kg/hm^2 ; superphosphate, 566.177 - 632.924 kg/hm^2 ; and magnesium oxide, 30.060 - 33.628 kg/hm^2.展开更多
A field experiment with 24 treatments consisting of three perennial forage crops [alfalfa (<em>Medicago sativa</em> L. cv. AC Longview), hybrid bromegrass (<em>Bromus riparius</em> Rehm & &...A field experiment with 24 treatments consisting of three perennial forage crops [alfalfa (<em>Medicago sativa</em> L. cv. AC Longview), hybrid bromegrass (<em>Bromus riparius</em> Rehm & <em>Bromus inermis</em> Leyss. cv. AC Success) and their mixture], four Cut 1 dates (approximately June 20, July 10, July 30 or August 20), and two fertilizer levels (unfertilized and fertilized) was established in late May 2014, on a Black Chernozem [Udic Boroll] silty clay soil. Forage dry matter yield [DMY], and concentration (g<span style="white-space:nowrap;">·</span>kg<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span>1</sup> DM) of crude protein [CP], total digestible nutrients [TDN] and acid detergent fiber [ADF] data were collected over 3 years from 2015 to 2017. The fertilizer treatments were imposed in 2016 and 2017. Forage crops were initially cut at four Cut 1 dates, and again cut [Cut 2] in autumn (September 2 in 2015, November 7 in 2016 and October 5 in 2017). For all three forage crops, forage DMY usually increased when Cut 1 was delayed. Delaying Cut 1 reduced forage DMY for Cut 2. Total DMY (Cut 1 + Cut 2) for all three forage crops was highest from the combination of July 10 and late Autumn cuts. Alfalfa-bromegrass mixture produced higher DMY than bromegrass or alfalfa alone. Fertilizer application resulted in a significant increase in Cut 1 and total DMY for bromegrass. The CP concentration in Cut 1 forage usually declined as the forage crops matured. The CP concentration was highest for alfalfa, followed by alfalfa-bromegrass mixture, and much lower for bromegrass. There was little or no effect of forage crop maturity on the TDN and ADF concentrations in forage. The TDN concentration was higher and ADF concentration was lower in forage from alfalfa or alfalfa-bromegrass mixture than bromegrass. Fertilizer application significantly increased CP concentration for alfalfa-bromegrass mixture. Delaying harvesting for Cut 1 increased ADF yield and TDN yield until Late July, but CP yield generally decreased with crop maturity. The ADF yield and TDN yield were higher for alfalfa-bromegrass mixture than bromegrass or alfalfa alone, and CP yield was similar for alfalfa and alfalfa-bromegrass mixture but considerably higher than bromegrass. Fertilizer application increased CP yield and ADF yield for bromegrass and alfalfa-bromegrass mixture, and TDN yield only for bromegrass. In conclusion, total DMY (Cut 1 + Cut 2) was highest for a combination of Early July and Autumn cuts. Forage yield was highest for alfalfa-bromegrass mixture, followed by alfalfa and lowest for bromegrass. The CP and TDN concentrations were higher, and ADF concentrations were lower in forage from alfalfa or alfalfa-bromegrass mixture than bromegrass.展开更多
文摘California is one of the major alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) forage-producing states in the U.S, but its production area has decreased significantly in the last couple of decades. Selection of cultivars with high yield and nutritive value under late-cutting schedule strategy may help identify cultivars that growers can use to maximize yield while maintaining area for sustainable alfalfa production, but there is little information on this strategy. A field study was conducted to determine cumulative dry matter (DM) and nutritive values of 20 semi- and non-fall dormant (FD) ratings (FD 7 and FD 8 - 10, respectively) cultivars under 35-day cut in California’s Central Valley in 2020-2022. Seasonal cumulative DM yields ranged from 6.8 in 2020 to 37.0 Mg·ha−1 in 2021. Four FD 8 - 9 cultivars were the highest yielding with 3-yrs avg. DM greater than the lowest yielding lines by 46%. FD 7 cultivar “715RR” produced the highest crude protein (CP: 240 g·Kg−1) while FD 8 cultivar “HVX840RR” resulted in the highest neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD: 484 g·Kg−1, 7% greater than the top yielding cultivars) but with DM yield intermediate. Yields and NDFD correlated positively but weakly indicating some semi- and non-FD cultivars performing similarly. These results suggest that selecting high yielding cultivars under 35-day cutting schedule strategy can be used as a tool to help growers to maximize yield while achieving good quality forages for sustainable alfalfa production in California’s Central Valley.
基金supported by the Youth Fund of Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences ( 2009QNJJ-027)
文摘[ Objective] To explore the mixture sowing effects and optimal mixture ratio of alfalfa and orchard grass. [ Method] The alfalfa and orchard grass were sowed at different ratios (1 : 0, 3: 1, 1 : 1, 1 : 3 and 0:1 ). They were grouped and named as CK1, A1, A2, A3 and CK2., respectively. The forage yield, relative yield total (RYT) and the competition rate (CR) of alfalfa and orchard grass in each group were determined, respectively. [ Result] In the A3 treatment group, the total forage yield was the highest (4 827.67 kg/hm2) and significantly different from that of other treatment groups ( P 〈 0.01 ). In every treatment group, the RYT was higher than 1, and the alfalfa was more competitive than the orchard grass in the mixed-seeding pasture. [ Conclusion] Our studies may provide a basis for the establishment of high yield and high quality artificial mixture pasture.
基金supported by the Earmarked Fund for the Modern Agro-Industry Technology Research System,China(CARS-35)
文摘Cultivar selection is important for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay production. From 2009 to 2012, a field study was conducted to evaluate the dry matter yield (DMY) of 28 cultivars in Cangzhou District of Hebei Province, China, and to determine the most suitable cultivars for this province and other zones with similar climate conditions. 28 alfalfa cultivars were sown in late March of 2009 and were harvested for hay four times in each subsequent year. The results showed that the climatic conditions resulted in significant differences in annual DMY among years, with the second year being the highest and the first year the lowest. The top five cultivars with the highest total DMY were L2750 (62.75 t ha^-1), Hom (62.72 t ha^-1), 86-266 (61.55 t ha^-1), German (61.44 t ha^-1) and Zhongmu 1 (61.18 t ha^-1), respectively. Across all four years, first harvest had the highest ratios to annual DMY except the cultivar of Rambler, while the fourth harvest had the lowest ratio. There were positive correlation relationships between DMY of each harvest and annual DMY, and the correlation coefficients were all significant in four years. And the path coefficients of first harvest were always the highest in four years. The qualities showed small variations among these cultivars and the cultivar L3750 presented the highest crude protein in both years. Crude protein had significant positive correlation with relative feed value (RFV) in both years while crude fiber had significant negative correlation with RFV and crude fiber.
文摘Understanding the relationship between dry matter yield and nutritive value throughout the growing season will help optimize the cutting intervals between harvests in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). The Ogallala Aquifer is a very important water source when growing alfalfa in Southwest Kansas and unfortunately, the water level of the Ogallala Aquifer is shrinking. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum cutting interval that optimizes dry matter yield and nutritive values of alfalfa. Alfalfa was harvested with different cutting intervals, i.e., every 28, 35, 42 and 49 day, which was equivalent of 5, 4, 4, and 3 cuttings per year, respectively in 2013 and 2014. Based on 2-yr total yield, by delaying alfalfa harvest by 21 days, i.e., from every 28th day to 49th day, alfalfa yield increased by 2.25 Mg/ha whereas by 5.58 Mg/ha by delaying cutting intervals from every 28th day to 42nd day. Although harvesting alfalfa every 42nd day had the same cutting frequency as the 35th day treatment (i.e., 4 cuttings per year), the treatment harvesting every 42nd day had significantly higher alfalfa yield than 35th day cutting interval. Alfalfa yield increased by approximately 20% by delaying one week for harvesting alfalfa from 35th to 42nd day interval, based on dry matter yields of 2013 and 2014. As cutting interval increased from every 28th to 49th day, crude protein (CP) content decreased. In contrast to CP, acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber increased as the cutting interval and stage of maturity increased in 2013 and 2014. The results suggest that alfalfa producers in Southwest Kansas possibly could reduce the cutting frequency from 5 to 4 per year. Cutting interval of every 42nd day between harvests appears to be the optimum when considered a dry matter yield and nutritive values in alfalfa.
基金Supported by Fundamental Special Project of the Ministry of Science and Technology"Special Investigation of Northeast Grassland Plant Resources"(2014FY210300)Special Investigation of Grassland Plant Resources in Liaoning Province
文摘Growth traits of root system of 13 autumn-sowing alfalfa cultivars were analyzed. The results indicated that there were significant difference in growth pa- rameters of root system among alfalfa cultivars ( P 〈 0.05 ). The cultivars, Prime and WI323, showed the highest root biomass ( higher than 32 g) ; cuhivar WI323 had the largest lateral root number (17.8 branches). Cultivars Prime, WI323, Super7 and L90 had better root traits than other cultivars based on comprehensive evaluation. Among three times of mowing within a year, root growth and development of alfalfa had mutual promotion with the first and second time growth of abovegraund part, but had competition with the third time growth. Overwintering alfalfa root restricted the grass yield in the following year, especially the third-cut yield in the next year.
基金funded by the National Key Technology R&D Program (2006BAD04A10)the Major Scientific and Technological Innovation Projects of Hebei Province (07227146Z)the Earmarked Fund for Modern Agro-industry (Dairy Industry) Technology Research System (nycytx-10)
文摘[ Objective] To study the effects of combined application of different elements on alfalfa hay yield. [ Medthod] Potassium sulfate, ammonium chloride, superphosphate and magnesium oxide were applied to alfalfa field in the experiment, and quaternary quadratic regression orthogonal combination was used to examine the effects of the experiment factors on hay yield of alfalfa. [ Result] The order of targets based on the effects on hay yield is as follows: potassium sulfate 〉 ammonium chloride 〉 magnesium oxide 〉 superphosphate. Among them, the potassium sulfate had a significant impact on alfalfa hay yield. The interaction between potassium sulfate and magnesium oxide also had a significant impact on alfalfa hay yield. [ Conclusion] The optimal cultivation measures for alfalfa hay yield of more than 19 224.6 kg/hm^2 are as follows: potassium sulfate, 163.253 - 181.679 kg/hm^2 ; ammonium chloride, 155.877 - 174.258 kg/hm^2 ; superphosphate, 566.177 - 632.924 kg/hm^2 ; and magnesium oxide, 30.060 - 33.628 kg/hm^2.
文摘A field experiment with 24 treatments consisting of three perennial forage crops [alfalfa (<em>Medicago sativa</em> L. cv. AC Longview), hybrid bromegrass (<em>Bromus riparius</em> Rehm & <em>Bromus inermis</em> Leyss. cv. AC Success) and their mixture], four Cut 1 dates (approximately June 20, July 10, July 30 or August 20), and two fertilizer levels (unfertilized and fertilized) was established in late May 2014, on a Black Chernozem [Udic Boroll] silty clay soil. Forage dry matter yield [DMY], and concentration (g<span style="white-space:nowrap;">·</span>kg<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span>1</sup> DM) of crude protein [CP], total digestible nutrients [TDN] and acid detergent fiber [ADF] data were collected over 3 years from 2015 to 2017. The fertilizer treatments were imposed in 2016 and 2017. Forage crops were initially cut at four Cut 1 dates, and again cut [Cut 2] in autumn (September 2 in 2015, November 7 in 2016 and October 5 in 2017). For all three forage crops, forage DMY usually increased when Cut 1 was delayed. Delaying Cut 1 reduced forage DMY for Cut 2. Total DMY (Cut 1 + Cut 2) for all three forage crops was highest from the combination of July 10 and late Autumn cuts. Alfalfa-bromegrass mixture produced higher DMY than bromegrass or alfalfa alone. Fertilizer application resulted in a significant increase in Cut 1 and total DMY for bromegrass. The CP concentration in Cut 1 forage usually declined as the forage crops matured. The CP concentration was highest for alfalfa, followed by alfalfa-bromegrass mixture, and much lower for bromegrass. There was little or no effect of forage crop maturity on the TDN and ADF concentrations in forage. The TDN concentration was higher and ADF concentration was lower in forage from alfalfa or alfalfa-bromegrass mixture than bromegrass. Fertilizer application significantly increased CP concentration for alfalfa-bromegrass mixture. Delaying harvesting for Cut 1 increased ADF yield and TDN yield until Late July, but CP yield generally decreased with crop maturity. The ADF yield and TDN yield were higher for alfalfa-bromegrass mixture than bromegrass or alfalfa alone, and CP yield was similar for alfalfa and alfalfa-bromegrass mixture but considerably higher than bromegrass. Fertilizer application increased CP yield and ADF yield for bromegrass and alfalfa-bromegrass mixture, and TDN yield only for bromegrass. In conclusion, total DMY (Cut 1 + Cut 2) was highest for a combination of Early July and Autumn cuts. Forage yield was highest for alfalfa-bromegrass mixture, followed by alfalfa and lowest for bromegrass. The CP and TDN concentrations were higher, and ADF concentrations were lower in forage from alfalfa or alfalfa-bromegrass mixture than bromegrass.