Authors : Chen Ji-Shan, Gao Cao, Di Gui-Li, Zhu Rui-Fen and Zhang Yue-Xue
Abstract: To clear that the yield components and quality of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) affected by cutting frequency, an experiment was conducted in Northeast China including 3 cutting frequency (F30, 40 and 60) among 3 cultivars (Longmu, C1; Aohan, C2; Zhaodong, C3). Result from this study showed that between cultivars and cutting frequency, the latter had a greater effect on forage yield and yield components at F40. Cultivars had no effect on 2 years total forage yield and alfalfa quality. At the F40, alfalfa always had higher CP and NDF than F30 and F60 treatments. The interaction of Cultivars (C) and cutting Frequency (F) on alfalfa productivity (yield and yield components) and quality (CP and NDF) was not significant. This study provides evidence that: cutting intervals of 40 days (three cuttings) can be advocated for cultivars growing in Northeast China and at F40 utilization, Longmu alfalfa is a well-adapted alfalfa variety in the Songnen Plain due to higher yield and quality under three cuttings.
Chen Ji-Shan, Gao Cao, Di Gui-Li, Zhu Rui-Fen and Zhang Yue-Xue, 2013. Effects of Cutting on Alfalfa Yield and Quality in Northeast China. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 12: 253-260.