Abstract
The recommended sowing rate of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is about 10 kg pure live seed ha−1, but it is debated if increasing the sowing rate enhances forage yield and quality in the sowing year. This study was conducted to: (i) determine the optimal sowing rate to maximize forage yield; and (ii) determine the relationship between plant and stem density with forage yield and nutritive value. Experiments were conducted at three sites in North Dakota between 2013 and 2016. Six sowing rates [1, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 kg ha−1 pure live seed (PLS)] were evaluated. Results indicated that total forage yield in the sowing year was lower only with the lowest sowing rate. Maximum total forage yield in the sowing, first, second, and third production years was obtained with 73, 52, 37, and 36 plants m−2 and 575, 495, 435, and 427 stems m−2, respectively. In the sowing and first production year, both plant and stem density predicted forage yield similarly. In older stands, stem density predicted forage yield slightly better. Forage nutritive value was similar among sowing rates indicating an increase in sowing rate does not enhance forage nutritive value. In conclusion, increasing the sowing rate above the recommended rate (10 kg PLS ha−1) does not increase forage yield or quality.
Highlights
Alfalfa is one of the world’s most widely grown perennial forages mainly due to its high forage yield and nutritive value
Efficient stand establishment is key to alfalfa production, where sowing rate plays a key role
The sowing rate for alfalfa can vary from 4 to 40 kg ha−1 [2,3] depending on factors such as location, climate, soil type, seedbed preparation, tillage, method of establishment, and seed cost [3]
Summary
Alfalfa is one of the world’s most widely grown perennial forages mainly due to its high forage yield and nutritive value. In 2015, the USA had 7.2 million ha of alfalfa and alfalfa- mixtures harvested for hay [1]. The US states of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota combined had 1.8 million ha of alfalfa and alfalfa-grass mixtures in 2015 generating more than $1.27 billion dollars to the US economy [1]. The region ranked fifth on value of production for hay, generating about 7% of USA total alfalfa production. Efficient stand establishment is key to alfalfa production, where sowing rate plays a key role. The sowing rate for alfalfa can vary from 4 to 40 kg ha−1 [2,3] depending on factors such as location, climate, soil type, seedbed preparation, tillage, method of establishment, and seed cost [3]. The current recommended sowing rate for Midwest USA is between 11.2 and
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