Abstract
Alfalfa is the most important forage crop in Serbia grown for high yields of quality fodder. In order to expand alfalfa production on pseudogleys, research was conducted in the vicinity of Kraljevo. Results suggest the potential for growing alfalfa on acid soils in Serbia. The combined use of 2.5 t ha-1 and 5 t ha-1 lime and 30 t ha-1 manure on the pseudogley increases the soil pH, humus content and available phosphorus and potassium levels, while decreasing the content of mobile aluminum, thus making the soil suitable for alfalfa production and high biomass yields (115.9 t ha-1) during 3-4 years of stand utilization.
Highlights
Alfalfa as a forage crop is highly adapted to a range of soil and climatic conditions in Serbia
On the pseudogley in Kraljevo, during 2004-2007, the treatment with 3 t ha-1 of lime resulted in yields of 180.4 t ha-1 of green fodder or 44.4 t of hay ha-1, while liming at a rate of 6 t ha-1 gave respective yields of 199.2 t ha-1 and 50,4 t ha-1 (Tab. 3)
The treatment with 5 t of lime ha-1 resulted in higher yields of green forage (101.3 t ha-1) and hay (20.3 t ha-1), giving an annual yield of 6.7 t ha-1
Summary
Alfalfa as a forage crop is highly adapted to a range of soil and climatic conditions in Serbia. It is grown on about 200,000 ha, giving an average hay yield of 5.7 t ha-1 (SGS, 2011). Success in the production of high-quality alfalfa hay rich in proteins and minerals requires the use of appropriate cultural practices. Soil or plant tissue should be tested for nutrient deficiencies (Katić et al, 2013). Acid soils require the use of lime materials for successful alfalfa production (Katić et al, 2009). Liming as an ameliorative intervention increases soil pH i.e. reduces soil acidity, leading to an increase in readily available phosphorus and potassium levels (Dugalić et al, 2011)
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