Effect of a fall cut on dry matter yield, nutritive value, and stand persistence of alfalfa

McDonald, Iryna; Min, Doohong; Baral, Rudra

doi:10.5187/jast.2021.e65

Cited by 7 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…In overall, the forage DMY was observed higher in the second year (2019) for all treatments which might be because of the higher rainfall (1,188 mm) received in 2019 than in 2018 (927mm). No significant yield differences were noted between reduced-lignin alfalfa (RLA) and conventional alfalfa (COA), which was consistent with our previous studies 35,36 where we did not find significant dry matter yield difference between RLA and COA.…”

Section: (A) (B) (C) Fig 3: Effect Of Applied Potassium (A) Varieties...supporting

confidence: 92%

Effect of Potassium Application Rate on Dry Matter Yield and Forage Nutritive Value in Alfalfa

Min

Baral

2022

Curr Agri Res Jour

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The United States is the largest producer of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) however there is still a wide variation in yield among states. Potassium (K) is one of the key plant macronutrients that affect alfalfa yield and stand persistence. To the best of our knowledge, the evaluation of K rates on alfalfa forage yield and quality attributes has not been done in the United States. Thus, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of K rates along with harvesting intervals (HI) and varieties on alfalfa dry matter yield (DMY), forage nutritive value, and soil K content. The experiment was carried out in a split-split plot with two HI (28 and 35-day after the first cut), two varieties (Hi–Gest 360: reduced-lignin and AFX 457: conventional), and four K application rates (0, 56, 112, and 168 kg K2O ha-1) in a randomized complete block with four replications. The results indicated that harvesting alfalfa at a shorter interval (28-day) resulted in higher dry matter yield and forage nutritive value than a longer harvest interval (35-day). Yield, nutritive values, and soil K content were, however, not significantly influenced by alfalfa variety and K rates. Further research is essential to quantify the actual trade-off between applied K and soil and plant K content in alfalfa production.

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Section: (A) (B) (C) Fig 3: Effect Of Applied Potassium (A) Varieties...supporting

confidence: 92%

Effect of Potassium Application Rate on Dry Matter Yield and Forage Nutritive Value in Alfalfa

Min

Baral

2022

Curr Agri Res Jour

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“…Despite its multiple benefits, there has been limited progress in yield and production in the United States for decades. However, previous studies have shown that yields of 13–19 Mg ha −1 or more are achievable with proper management practices and favorable growing conditions (Baral et al, 2022; McDonald et al, 2021).…”

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confidence: 99%

Exploring the impact of soil water variability and varietal diversity on alfalfa yield, nutritional quality, and farm profitability

Baral,

Jagadish,

Hein

et al. 2023

Grassland Research

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BackgroundDespite high nutritional and economic value, alfalfa yield has not been improved in the United States. Soil moisture critically influences alfalfa's yield and quality, affecting its physiological processes, nutrient uptake, and stand growth. Additionally, the maturity stage at harvest can significantly impact both hay yield and quality. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effect of different soil moisture levels and harvesting times on forage yield, nutritive value, and the overall profitability of commercially cultivated alfalfa.MethodsTwo conventional and three lower‐lignin alfalfa varieties were planted in a randomized complete block with split plot design under drought, rainfed, and irrigation conditions in 2020 in Manhattan, Kansas, USA. The dry matter yield (DMY) and forage nutritive value were evaluated at late bud, early flowering, and 7 days after early flowering stages, respectively.ResultsDMY varied with production year, soil water availability, and growth stages, with drought conditions causing a decline in DMY of 5% to 38% in the second production year. Water conditions and maturity stages influenced crude protein (CP) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). Higher soil moisture and advancing maturity stages negatively impacted CP, IVDMD, and relative forage quality. The study revealed net profit margins of 62%, 64%, and 52% for drought‐prone, rainfed, and irrigated production, respectively.ConclusionsHarvest timing and irrigation practices were found to have substantial implications for forage yield and nutritive value of alfalfa. The yield‐quality trade‐off differed under drought and irrigation, with early harvesting leading to lower yields but higher protein content and digestibility. The study findings provide potential guidance for improving alfalfa hay yield, quality, and profitability.

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Onfield estimation of quality parameters in alfalfa through hyperspectral spectrometer data

Gámez,

Vatter,

Santesteban

et al. 2024

Computers and Electronics in Agriculture

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Effect of a fall cut on dry matter yield, nutritive value, and stand persistence of alfalfa

Abstract: Competing interestsNo potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Cited by 7 publications

References 39 publications

Effect of Potassium Application Rate on Dry Matter Yield and Forage Nutritive Value in Alfalfa

Effect of Potassium Application Rate on Dry Matter Yield and Forage Nutritive Value in Alfalfa

Exploring the impact of soil water variability and varietal diversity on alfalfa yield, nutritional quality, and farm profitability

Onfield estimation of quality parameters in alfalfa through hyperspectral spectrometer data

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