The Alfalfa Yield Gap: A Review of the Evidence

Russelle, Michael P.

doi:10.1094/fg-2013-0002-rv

Cited by 16 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…The yields obtained in this study are similar to those observed in Catamarca (Argentina) under irrigation conditions with similar thresholds to those used in this experiment (5) . Russelle (22) also reported similar yields in yield Regarding soil bulk density, a possible explanation for the lower BD values in the rainfed treatment is that there were fewer grazing events in that last year (2 vs. 6), due to lower forage production caused by drought. In this experiment, and depending on the management of irrigation and pasture, there was no negative effect (soil compaction) attributable to irrigation management, since in general there were no significant differences between irrigation treatments (T1 and T2) and it was only significant when the number of grazing events increased compared to rainfed pastures.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 60%

Effect of irrigation and grazing on the production of an alfalfa pasture (Medicago sativa L.)

Puppo Collazo,

Hayashi,

Beretta

et al. 2024

Agrocienc Urug

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La alfalfa es una especie forrajera muy utilizada en Uruguay en ganadería intensiva y lechería. El riego suplementario permite mitigar los efectos negativos del cambio climático, aumentando y estabilizando la productividad de las pasturas. Es necesario evaluar su efecto conjunto con el pastoreo. Se evaluaron dos umbrales de riego, con entrada de animales. Los tratamientos fueron: riego frecuente (30% agotamiento), riego espaciado (65% agotamiento) y secano. El diseño experimental fue de bloques completos al azar, 30 meses de evaluación. La productividad promedio anual de la alfalfa regada fue de 25333 y 23177 kg MS ha-1, primer y segundo año de evaluación, respectivamente. La producción acumulada (30 meses) no mostró diferencia significativa entre los tratamientos regados, pero sí entre regados y secano. En el último verano-otoño, la productividad de todos los tratamientos cae a 8660 kg MS ha-1 (regados) y 1756 kg MS ha-1 (secano). Las productividades estacionales indican la conveniencia de regar la alfalfa en verano, ya que el rendimiento aumentó 43% en el segundo año y 4,3 veces más en el último año. Además, luego de transcurrir la sequía extrema del verano, en el otoño siguiente los regados rindieron 7 veces más que el secano. El manejo con riegos espaciados y láminas de riego que no devuelven el suelo a su capacidad de campo aumenta la efectividad de las precipitaciones, ahorrando agua y energía destinada al riego. La densidad aparente aumentó hacia el final del experimento a consecuencia del pastoreo, sin embargo, no hubo diferencia entre los manejos de riego evaluados.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 60%

Effect of irrigation and grazing on the production of an alfalfa pasture (Medicago sativa L.)

Puppo Collazo,

Hayashi,

Beretta

et al. 2024

Agrocienc Urug

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“…Statewide yields in California range from 3‐ to 9‐cut systems, mostly under LS conditions. However, we should note that field cultivar trials such as the one reported here generally report higher yields than is observed on farmer's fields, often termed the “yield gap” (Russelle, 2013).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 67%

Salinity and cultivar effects on alfalfa forage yield and nutritive value in a Mediterranean climate

Anderson,

Gull,

Benes

et al. 2023

Grassland Research

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BackgroundSoil and water salinity are increasing problems worldwide, causing significantly reduced crop yields. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is often listed as salt‐sensitive, but field testing of improved cultivars is limited. Forage systems and improved high‐quality alfalfa varieties are needed to enable crop production under high salinity (HS) conditions.MethodsThe objective of this study was to measure the yield and quality response of alfalfa to high saline conditions in the field and to document the relative saline tolerance of its varieties. HS irrigation water (electrical conductivity of water, or ECw 8.0–11.0 dS m−1) was applied to 33 nondormant alfalfa cultivars and were compared with low salinity (LS) treatments (ECw 0.5–1.2 dS m−1) over 4 years in a Mediterranean environment on a clay loam soil utilizing a split‐plot design. Crops were harvested seven to eight times per year, and the forage quality was measured on selected harvests utilizing near‐infrared spectroscopy.ResultsThe average yield loss due to HS treatment was 23.9% compared with LS treatment, but yields averaged 23.4 Mg ha−1 under HS over the 3 full years of production. This level of production is considered to be economically viable in this region. Differences in salinity tolerance between lines were identified in the field; individual cultivars lost 5%–35% of their LS yield when grown under HS conditions. Forage quality was significantly improved under HS versus LS conditions, but improvements were negatively correlated with biomass yield (R2 > 0.81), similar to responses observed in drought‐stressed alfalfa.ConclusionsThese yield results confirm greenhouse studies, indicating that alfalfa is highly salt tolerant once established in the field, with potential for further improvement with tolerant cultivars. Salinity tolerance should be chosen based on total biomass yield as well as on the salinity tolerance index (HS yield relative to LS yield). Agronomic practices to mitigate salinity and sodicity are critical, along with improved cultivars.

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“…These observations mirror the United States national alfalfa production trend data, where the yield follows a bell‐shaped curve. In years 2 and 3 of stand life, alfalfa stands in the United States generally illustrate the greatest DM yield, followed by decreased yield in years 4 and 5 (Russelle, 2013; Tucker et al, 2021). Some studies have also evaluated alfalfa production and persistence characteristics in bahiagrass ( Paspalum notatum Flüggé, White et al, 2021), which illustrates another potential application for alfalfa in mixtures with perennial grasses, although persistence characteristics of alfalfa in this system were limited to about 3 years of useful stand life.…”

Section: Alfalfa Systems Management Strategiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Systems management strategies for increasing alfalfa use in warm‐humid regions

Tucker,

Mullenix,

Rios

et al. 2024

Grassland Research

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Alfalfa use (Medicago sativa L.; “lucerne”) in warm, humid regions of the world represents a potential area of expansion for the alfalfa industry. The objective of this review paper is to demonstrate how alfalfa forage breeding and systems research efforts have identified opportunities for increasing alfalfa contributions in these regions, along with potential pathways for seed industry and farming operations to increase adoption. Our review draws primarily on reports from the Southeast United States and Argentina. Significant technological advancements in plant screening and selection have identified alfalfa plant populations that are more adapted to the growing conditions experienced in these regions, which are often characterized by mild temperature, long growing seasons, and multiple other abiotic and biotic stressors. Management systems research conducted in the United States and Argentina has demonstrated the use of alfalfa for conserved forage, grazing, or dual‐purpose use in monoculture or mixtures with warm‐season grasses such as bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.). These trials report increased forage production, nutritive value, and ecosystem services of alfalfa–grass mixtures when compared with traditionally N‐fertilized warm‐season grass‐based systems. Grazing‐based alfalfa systems in Argentina have demonstrated methods for utilizing alfalfa as part of beef, dairy, and finishing systems. Some approaches for expanding alfalfa production in the region include targeted marketing efforts for adapted varieties and demonstrating alfalfa applications within existing farming frameworks. This includes educational programming efforts and on‐farm demonstrations to promote alfalfa use as a component of the livestock diets, integration into grass‐based systems, crop rotations, and wildlife use. Continued emphasis on a systems approach to alfalfa inclusion represents an opportunity for improved forage and livestock production in warm, humid regions of the world.

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The Alfalfa Yield Gap: A Review of the Evidence

Cited by 16 publications

References 9 publications

Effect of irrigation and grazing on the production of an alfalfa pasture (Medicago sativa L.)

Effect of irrigation and grazing on the production of an alfalfa pasture (Medicago sativa L.)

Salinity and cultivar effects on alfalfa forage yield and nutritive value in a Mediterranean climate

Systems management strategies for increasing alfalfa use in warm‐humid regions

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