Effect of Fall/Winter Harvest on Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Productivity and Persistence in a Mediterranean Climate

Presenter Information

V L. Marble, University of California
C A. Schoner Jr, University of California, Davis
G Peterson, University of California, Davis

Publication Date

1989

Description

In California alfalfa fields are grazed or harvested one or more times after the last normal season harvest (LNSH). Schoner (1981) reported that one LNSH 30 days after the last (6th) harvest reduced yield for semidonnant (SD) WL 318 and very nondormant (VND) CUF 101 9 % over three years. With two harvests, losses were similar (12 % ) for WL 318, but doubled (27 %) for CUF 101. Worker and Marble (1987) found ( 10 annual harvests) no reduction in yield, vigor or stand with either one or two fall/winter (F /W) harvests if a 45 day rest was allowed. To clarify the effect of LNSH on alfalfa productivity and persistence, trials were established at the University Farm near Davis (UCD) and 340 km south at the West Side Field Station (WSFS),

Citation

Marble, V L.; Schoner, C A. Jr; and Peterson, G, "Effect of Fall/Winter Harvest on Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Productivity and Persistence in a Mediterranean Climate" (2025). IGC Proceedings (1989-2023). 30.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1989/session4b/30