Cultivation
Medicago sativa L.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a highly productive perennial crop with a high content of plant protein, minerals, and vitamins, used as a primary component in balanced diets for livestock.
In the reference 219 varieties crop Alfalfa, where this is mentioned in the description.
The nutritional value of alfalfa is determined by its protein content, which reaches 22% during the budding phase, allowing it to be used as a full-fledged substitute for expensive oilseed meals. Harvesting in later stages leads to a decrease in protein levels and an increase in fiber and lignin content, which negatively impacts forage digestibility.
The biological characteristics of alfalfa include the ability to yield 3–4 cuttings per season and the capacity to maintain productivity in one location for up to 6 years. Due to a robust root system reaching depths of up to 10 meters, the crop provides a stable dry matter yield even during drought periods.
In ruminant diets, fresh alfalfa forage effectively complements corn silage to balance carbohydrates and protein. However, the crop has high environmental requirements; it is sensitive to soil acidity and grows optimally at a pH of 6.0–7.0.
General information about the subject — on the page Forage purpose.
Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Pioneer Hi-Bred International (US)
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Amelioration Fourragere (FR)
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Semenarnacoop, Petrovaradin
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Florimond Desprez Veuve et Fils, FR
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Thaddeus H. Busbice
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Jiri Babinec, Oldrich Chloupek,
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Tourneur Grandes Cultures Obtentions SNC (FR)
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
ROBERTO GUARNIERI
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Barenbrug Holland BV (NL)
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Smedeks, Smederevo
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Florimond Desprez Veuve et Fils, FR
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
GREAT PLAINS RESEARCH COMPANY
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
RAGT 2N S.A.S
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Florimond Desprez Veuve et Fils, FR
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
NORTH AMERICAN PLANT BREEDERS
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE) , Agri-Obtentions S.A.
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
GIE-AM.FOURRAGERE
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
JAAGUS| Mart Jaagus c/o Jogeva Plant Breeding Institut / KRGAS| Lembit Krgas c/o Jogeva Plant Breeding Institut / BENDER| Ants Bender c/o Jogeva Plant Breeding Institut
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Barenbrug Holland BV (NL)
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Plant Breeding International Cambridge Ltd (GB)
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
RW Williams, TM O'Brien and AJ Williams with GG Drummond, PGH Nichols, DB Waterhouse, Dept of Ag fob State NSW,& GRDC & AWR&PO
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
SAATBAU LINZ EGEN
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
WATERMAN LOOMIS
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Szarvasi Medicago (HU)