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It can be considered
the King of forages, thanks to its high nutritional value and its
capability of keeping cattle healthy. The wide dffusion of alfalfa
in the world proves its great adaptability to different climates and
soils except for sub-acid ones. It does not tolerate water logging.
The
many alfalfa varieties differ one from another for frost tolerance,
time of spring vegetation startup, quickness of regrowth, plant
structure (stem, leaves and flowers). Uder favourable conditions and
with spring sowing in the first year 3 to 4 cuts can be obtained, with a hay production of
6 to 8 Mt/ha. In the following years 4-7 cuts can be obtained with a hay
production of 13-15 Mt/ha. The economical duration of an alfalfa
field is 3-4 years.
Abundant phosphorous-potassium fertilizer applications are necessary,
especially at the time of establishment.
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