Alfalfa Research Study Results - 2003
Martinsville, Illinois

Forages represent an important energy and nitrogen source for beef and dairy cattle. Forages such as alfalfa, commonly make up to 80% of the total feed consumed by these animals.

As a major feed component, alfalfa quality is crucial as it directly influences the performance of the animal such as animal growth or milk production. This year’s alfalfa study focuses on key feed quality characteristics and yield as a result of different fertilizer treatments.


LSD (P=0.05) .418; A common Midwest variety was used; randomized complete block design; 4 replications; fertility levels high; soil water pH 7.0; Four cuttings made in 2003; excellent growing conditions.

Comments
This has been an excellent year for alfalfa production. Warm day temperatures and cool night temperatures spurred re-growth after each cutting. Irrigation was applied only one time in four cuttings. Insect feeding was minimal this year and no insecticide treatments were necessary.

Special Notes
Crown roots were dug and evaluated after the freeze of October 7-8, 2002.  Crown roots on the non-Pellet Lime treated plots showed larger circumference architecture as compared to the Pellet Lime treated plots. Large crown roots is an undesirable trait in alfalfa that can cause a tendency for plant  stress in dry conditions and heaving during the freezing and thawing process in the winter and spring.

Summary
Data from this study indicates calcium assists in the production of nitrogen needed for crude protein while effectively increasing alfalfa tonnage harvested. This is confirmed by the data collected. Yield observations indicated the Pellet Lime treated plots were far superior at the 3rd and 4th cutting over the non-treated plots. Treatment 5 with applications following the first and second cutting was best overall in both yield and quality.

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