Effects of Foliar Fertilizers and Growth Regulators on Alfalfa Yield and Quality
2002
Hall, M.H. | Stout, R.C. | Smiles, W.S.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) requires relatively high quantities of nutrients to achieve optimum yields. Commercially available foliar applied fertilizers and growth regulators reportedly provide adequate nutrient levels and increase alfalfa stem number, yield, and quality. The objective of this research was to determine the effectiveness and profitability of several commercially available foliar fertilizers and growth regulators to stimulate shoot development and increase forage yield and quality on high fertility soils in Pennsylvania. Eight treatments including controls of no soil additives and lime were compared to foliar applied treatments including water, liquid fertilizer, and four commercial products at four location-year environments. None of the foliar applied products increased stem density, yield, or quality of alfalfa in environments where initial or adjusted soil pH 6.5. Consequently the additional cost of foliar applied products was not recovered in yield or quality increases of alfalfa compared to maintaining adequate soil pH and fertility through traditional lime and fertilizer amendments.
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