The effect of Rhizobium inoculum on persistence and yield of cutted or pastured alfalfa cultivars
1998
Sarand, R.-J. | Polluste, A. | Laitamm, H. | Karpa, P.
Alfalfa (Medicago L.) has gained recognition bacause of its high yield and superior palatability. The capacity for N2 fixation in association with Rhizobium meliloti has been a primary factor for contributing the excellence of alfalfa. To optimize the Rhizobium x alfalfa cultivar interaction in field, a mixture of effective strains of Rhizobium meliloti root nodule has been used. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate an effect of root nodule bacteria preparation, containing Rhizobium meliloti strains of 425, 302, and a mixture of strains 179, 180, 182, on yield and persistence of alfalfa cultivars in cutted and pastured sward. Two Estonian cultivars 'Karlu' and 'Jogeva 118', and three cultivars from USA- 'Spredor', 'Viking', 'Vernal', were used. The trial results in 1997 were as follows: By using the inoculation of root nodule bacteria the total yield of alfalfa, as well as the dry matter yield, and the crude protein yield were increased considerably. Besides, higher yield was received from the cutted hay. The variety of 'Karlu' gave the highest yield. The most effective root nodule bacteria preparation was a mixture of Rhizobium meliloti strains 179, 180, 182. It increased the density of alfalfa cultivars in pasture. The total content of sugars in pastured alfalfa cultivars were higher than in cutted sward
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