Response of Creeping and Noncreeping Alfalfa Clones to Harvesting Regimes1

Abstract

AbstractThe behavior of 4 noncreeping and 5 creeping alfalfa clones was observed in a field experiment under 4 harvesting regimes. The 2 clonal types were increased vegetatively and transplanted into Kentucky bluegrass sod. After the establishment year, the plants were harvested 3 and 5 times annually at stubble heights of 2.5 and 12.7 cm (1 and 5 inches) for 2 successive years. Marked variation in yield, creeping, and survival occurred among clones within both clonal types under the 3‐harvest system, whereas little variation was observed among individual clones under the 5‐cut regime, indicating that potential yield, spreading, and survival of a particular genotype may not be expressed unless a compatible harvesting system is imposed. Creeping and noncreeping types responded similarly to harvesting frequencies and height of cutting. The advantage of creeping over noncreeping alfalfa appears to lie primarily in the ability of creeping types to thicken stands under lenient harvesting management.