The Evolution of Alfalfa, as Important Crop in Organic Farming System in Romania

Abstract

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is considered to be one of the oldest and most important fodder plants. Its current importance in improving soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen with the help of bacteria (Rhizobium meliloti), as well as a cover plant by sequestering carbon, its melliferous value and adaptation to different climate and soil conditions, confirm the importance of this plant in the organic farming system. As a result, in this context, the aim of this work is to highlight the cultivation of alfalfa in an organic farming system in the north-eastern area of Romania, in period 2019-2021, with particular reference to the evolution of the organic surfaces, the framework cultivation technology, as well as some variants of efficient utilization of production. Thus, the organic (certified I, II and organic) alfalfa has had an upward evolution in recent years, being cultivated on 14149,84 ha in 2017 and reaching 25612,86 ha in 2019. Also, in organic farm from North-east development region of Romania, the average production of alfalfa for dray hay was 4.8 t/ha and price of selling was 144,63 €/t, respectively, the average seeds production was 0.5 t/ha with 206,62 €/t.