Variety traits
Medicago sativa L.
Crude protein content in alfalfa is a key indicator of forage quality, depending on the growth stage, and ranges from 18–25% on a dry matter basis at optimal harvesting time.
In the reference 66 varieties crop Alfalfa, where this is mentioned in the description.
The crude protein content in alfalfa is highest during the branching stage, reaching 25% or more. During the optimal harvesting period, which occurs from the bud stage to the beginning of flowering, the values vary within the range of 17–22%. As the plant enters the flowering stage, protein concentration decreases to 15–16% due to the accumulation of structural carbohydrates and the process of stem lignification.
A decrease in protein levels below 14–15% indicates that the plants have been left in the field too long or that there has been a failure in agronomic practices, specifically high soil acidity, which limits nitrogen fixation. To maintain high protein quality, phosphorus-potassium nutrition and strict adherence to harvest timing are critical, as overly early harvesting can negatively affect the longevity of the stand.
General information about the subject — on the page Protein content.
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
Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops (SB)
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
VEB Saat und Pflanzgut (DE)
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Tourneur Grandes Cultures Obtentions SNC (FR)
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Tourneur Grandes Cultures Obtentions SNC (FR)
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Barenbrug Holland BV (NL)
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Vincent Beguier
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Vincent Beguier
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
S. A. FLORIMOND DESPREZ VEUVE ET FILS
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Vincent Beguier
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Barenbrug Holland BV (NL)
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Florimond Desprez Veuve et Fils, FR
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Grass G.I.E.
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Vincent Beguier
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Semences De France (FR)
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Klaus K. Nielsen
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
SCHITEA MARIADRAGAN LENUTAPETCU ELENA
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
Vaclav Stradal
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Societa Produttori Sementi
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Semillas Fito, E
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
ROBERTO GUARNIERI
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Thierri Bourgoin
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Voislav Mikhailovich, Clobodan Katich,
Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa
Florimond Desprez Veuve et Fils, FR