Responses to Frequent Cutting and Trampling in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Cultivars

Abstract

Four grazing-type alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars, Alfagraze, Amerigraze40l, ZG9437 and ZG9530, and two hay-type cultivars, 5444 and Maya, were investigated for the response of frequent cutting and trampling on plant growth characteristics. The cutting treatment was carried out 5 times per year, when plant heights reached about 30 cm. The trampling treatment was performed by running of an automobile after every harvesting. The results showed that four grazing-type cultivars were superior to the other two hay-type cultivars on forage yield and persistence under both the frequent cutting and trampling treatments. The influence of trampling was larger than that of frequent cutting. The higher forage yield and persistence of grazing-type cultivars were related to much plant number, early regrowth and residual stubble leaves after harvesting. It was considered that the grazing-type alfalfa has potentials to utilize for a flexible cutting schedule and the mixture with hay-type cultivar.