Variety traits

Alfalfa dry matter

Medicago sativa L.

A fundamental quality parameter of alfalfa that determines its nutritional value and the choice of forage harvesting technology. The dry matter content in green mass is usually 20–32%, with optimal values for haylage being in the 35–40% range.

In the reference 96 varieties crop Alfalfa, where this is mentioned in the description.

Dry matter content is a key indicator for assessing the nutritional value of alfalfa, as all characteristics, including metabolizable energy, protein, and fiber, are calculated on a dry matter basis. In alfalfa green mass, this indicator usually varies from 20 to 32%, with most varieties showing values in the 25–29% range.

The technological parameters for harvesting alfalfa forage directly depend on the dry matter level. For high-quality haylage, the 35–40% range is considered optimal, as values below 30% promote the development of undesirable microflora, while exceeding the 45–50% threshold hinders compaction and increases the risk of spoilage. High-quality alfalfa hay is typically characterized by a dry matter content of 83–86%.

General information about the subject — on the page Dry matter.

Sources8

Varieties of Alfalfa mentioned in the description

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.