Abstract
In Algeria, the area allocated to crop fodders in particular, the alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is very limited as compared to other crops. Some obstacles hinder the development of crops especially in irrigated perimeters. A field experiment was conducted to highlight the adaptation of sixteen (16) alfalfa varieties from different origins (Algeria, Australia, France, Italy, Morocco, Tunisia and USA) to drought, soil salinity and to evaluate the dry matter yields in the experimental station INRAA of Hmadena in the Lower-Cheliff plain in two cropping seasons, 2005/2006 and 2006/2007. The tests were conducted in a saline soil under two water regimes, rainfalls and irrigation with the maximum evapotranspiration. The evaluation focuses on dry matter yield, plant height and stand density. The results obtained in two campaigns show the encouraging production of dry matter of some varieties such as “Ameristrand 801S” and the weak production of the local variety “Tamantit”, a reduction in the number of plants per square meter from one year to another, and an average height of the plants which differs from a variety to another. The number of harvests per season was normally between 4 and 6. It is concluded that some varieties are suitable for dry matter production in salt affected soil under both water regimes in the area of Hmadna in the Lower-Cheliff plain (Algeria). Key words: Algeria, alfalfa, cultivar, dry matter yield, plant height, stand density.
Highlights
Alfalfa, Medicago sativa L. is one of the most widespread forage plants in the world
In Algeria, the establishment of performance tests from introduced species and varieties could be a way of research in order to choose the best perennial alfalfa cultivars
The main objective of this study is to evaluate some forage yield components of 16 alfalfa, M sativa cultivars from different origins under the climatic conditions of the region of Hmadena in northwestern of Algeria
Summary
Medicago sativa L. is one of the most widespread forage plants in the world. Values 28.34 6.17 2.51 1.46 89.88 3.81 usually has the highest feeding value of all common hay crops. The global area occupied by alfalfa is about 12.5 million hectares producing 324.5 million tons in 2013 (FAOSTAT, 2015). African production is about 5.32 million tons over an area of 185 000 ha. In 2013, Algeria produced only 29,000 tons on an area of 3,000 ha (FAOSTAT, 2015). In Algeria, the establishment of performance tests from introduced species and varieties could be a way of research in order to choose the best perennial alfalfa cultivars. The main objective of this study is to evaluate some forage yield components of 16 alfalfa, M sativa cultivars from different origins under the climatic conditions of the region of Hmadena in northwestern of Algeria
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
