Effect of cutting management, seeding rates and sowing method on seed yield of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

摘要

A Two years field study conducted at the Agronomic Research Station, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (Pakistan) to explore the impact of cutting management, seed rates and sowing technique on seed yield of alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.). The treatments comprised of three last cutting dates were 19 February 5 March and 19 March, three seeding rates were 10, 15 and 20 kg ha -1 and four sowing method i.e. line sowing in 30 , 45, 60 cm apart rows and broadcast, respectively. Earliest Last cutting (19 February) exhibited significantly higher number of raceme plant -1 , 1000 seed weight, number of pods raceme -1 and final seed yield. Seed rate of 10 kg ha -1 had a significant impact on numbers of raceme m -2 , pods raceme -1 , seeds pod -1 and final seed yield for both years. Sowing method of using 60 cm had significant effects on raceme m -2 , pods raceme -1 , seeds pod -1 , 1000 seed wt. and final seed yield in both years. It can be concluded that alfalfa forage crop left on 19 February with 10 kg ha -1 and 60 cm produced clearly higher seed yield.