The effects of different planting times on the yield and quality of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) under Aydın conditions

Aim: This research was conducted to determine the effects of different planting times on the yield and quality of alfalfa. Material and Method: The trial was carried out with 3 replications according to the split-plot trial design in randomized blocks at the Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Agriculture in 2022-2023. Nimet and Albatur varieties were used in the research.. In the study, 7 different planting times (22 August, 6 September, 21 September, 6 October, 21 October, 5 November, 20 November) were applied. In the research, plant height, main stem thickness, green grass yield, hay yield, crude protein ratio, crude protein yield, ADF and NDF ratio, relative feed value and digestible dry matter were investigated. Findings: In the study, it was found that green grass yield varied between 8151.0-10047.6 kg/da and dry grass yield varied between 1946.6-2396.1 kg/da. The highest green and dry grass yield was obtained from the Albatur variety planted on October 6, and the lowest green and dry grass yield was obtained from the Nimet variety planted on November 20. According to the results obtained from the research, plant height is 69,28-82,22 cm, main stem thickness is 2,26-3,27 mm, crude protein ratio is 22,50-23,75%, crude protein yield is 454,24-559,65 kg/da, ADF ratio 28,16-29,69%, NDF ratio 39,51-40,85%, NYD 147,95-161,57 and digestible dry matter ratio varied between 65,51-67,30%. Conclusion: When the results obtained from this research conducted under Aydın conditions were evaluated, higher green and dry grass yield was obtained from the plantings made on October 6 and October 21 in both clover varieties examined in the research. It was concluded that it was appropriate to grow the Nimet and Albatur varieties used in the research in Aydın and similar conditions in terms of yield and quality characteristics and that the most suitable planting time for alfalfa cultivation was 6-21 October. Key words: Alfalfa, Dry Grass Yield, Planting Time, Crude Protein Ratio, Aydın