Foliar Applied Calcium Improves Seed Yield and Yield Components of Alfalfa

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during 2009 to 2012. Calcium chloride (CaCl2) at five levels (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 mg g -1 ) was applied as foliar sprays at the initial and peak flowering of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and data were recorded for seed yield and yield components. Results showed that the year, calcium (Ca) levels and the interaction affected significantly seed yield and yield components except seeds per pod. The highest seed yield was obtained in 2012 (746.82 kg ha ). Racemes per square meter negatively and directly affected seed yield (pc=-0.223), but racemes per square meter had a positively indirect effect via pods per raceme on seed yield (pc=0.23). It could be suggested that 0.4 mg g -1 Ca level was beneficial for improving alfalfa seed yield and pods per raceme as crucial yield component in alfalfa.