Yields of five alfalfa varieties under two cutting frequencies in the Oaxaca Valley

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the productive performance of alfalfa varieties under two defined cutting frequencies during the spring-summer period.

Design/methodology/approach: A completely randomized design was used, with a 5x2x2 factorial arrangement, where the factors were five alfalfa varieties, two cutting frequencies (FC) and two seasons of the year, for a total of 20 treatments with three replications. The variables evaluated were dry matter yield (DMY), height, leaf:stem ratio (L:S), leaf area index (LAI) and morphological composition (MC). An ANOVA factorial analysis and a mean sensitivity test were performed using Tukey's test (ɑ=0.05), using SAS statistical software.

Results: The San Miguel variety showed the highest DMY (2150 kg DM ha^-1) and height (31 cm). With a light FC (35 days) a higher yield (1256 kg DM ha^-1), height (29 cm) and IAF (3.3) were obtained and favored L:S (1.07). In summer the yield was higher (2280 kg DM ha^-1), in spring there was a higher leaf ratio (1.05). Independently of variety and season, MC presented a higher percentage of leaves and stems with a light cut.

Limitations on study/implications: Without limitations or implications

Findings/conclusions:  Cutting frequency was the factor that determined the performance of the variables evaluated; its interaction with the season defined to a great extent the proportion of the morphological components and quality of the pasture.