alfalfa production Articles
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Organic and conventional production systems in the Wisconsin integrated cropping systems trial: ii. economic and risk analysis 1993–2006
This article, the second in a series looking at the Wisconsin Integrated Cropping Systems Trial (WICST), reports on the profitability of six conventional and organic systems, with a focus on net returns and associated risk exposure. Several pricing scenarios were compared to evaluate the impact of government programs and organic price premiums. When net return estimates are made using only ...
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Preharvest neutral detergent fiber concentration of alfalfa as influenced by stubble height
Regression equations can be used to estimate the preharvest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration of alfalfa. In New York, where the stubble height of alfalfa varies due to terrain, predictive accuracy of existing equations may be reduced. The objectives of this experiment were to develop and evaluate alfalfa NDF equations that incorporate intended stubble height. Stands of first-cut ...
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An economic analysis of alfalfa harvest methods when infested with verticillium wilt
Verticillium wilt is a disease that negatively affects alfalfa fields throughout the northern United States. This disease is caused by the fungus Verticillium albo-atrum that, once introduced into alfalfa fields, spreads rapidly, becomes difficult to control, and causes substantial plant yield loss. This disease can be extremely costly for alfalfa hay producers, especially for producers where ...
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Improving alfalfa irrigation in The west
Alfalfa grown for forage is a major crop in many areas of the western United States. In the arid and semi–arid west, irrigation is required to obtain economic alfalfa yields. Because alfalfa is a perennial crop with a potentially long growing season, it can use a substantial amount of water. Alfalfa production in Imperial County, CA, has been valued at more than $170 million dollars for ...
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Corn grain yield response to crop rotation and nitrogen over 35 years
Crop rotation and N are management methods that can increase corn (Zea mays L.) grain yields. Our objective was to determine the corn grain yield response to six crop rotation sequences and four N rates in a long-term (35-yr) study. The rotations were continuous corn (CC), corn–alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) (CA), corn–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (CS), corn-corn-corn-alfalfa-alfalfa (CCCAA), ...
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Living mulch forage yield and botanical composition in a corn-soybean-forage rotation
Managing forages as living mulches during row crop production requires suppressing the forages to produce economical crop yields. The objective of this research was to identify forage plants with varied growth habit, persistence, and yield potential to provide desirable ecosystem functions in a multifunctional cropping system. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum Bieb.), ...
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Plant growth regulator effects on balancing vegetative and reproductive phases in alfalfa seed yield
The use of plant growth regulators (PGRs) has opened new prospects for increased seed production in grasses and legumes, but little information is available on the effects of PGRs on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) seed production. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of applying chlormequat chloride (CCC) (2-chloroethyl-trimethyl-ammonium chloride) in combination with five PGRs ...
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Impact of long-term phosphorus and potassium fertilization on alfalfa nutritive value–yield relationships
Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) increase alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) yield, but little information is available on how forage nutritive value is affected by P and K fertilization. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of long-term P and K fertilization on alfalfa yield–forage nutritive value relationships. A factorial experiment with four P and five K treatments was ...
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