Determination of different crop periods and yield in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv.) according to climate change projections using lintul multi-crop model

In this study, the LINTUL MULTI-CROP model was tested for the first time to determine the effects of climate change projections (current climate conditions, high temperatures (2°C and 4°C), and elevated atmospheric CO2 levels (600, 800, and 1000 ppm) on the yield of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv. Nimet and Bilensoy-80) at different harvest stages. The applicability of the model was tested in the provinces of Konya and Adana, and to assess its accuracy, previously conducted controlled trial data and 30 years of climate data were used, along with alfalfa varieties (Bilensoy-80 and Nimet) that had adapted to local climate conditions. In the Nimet alfalfa variety from Adana, the highest green forage yield under increased CO2 conditions was achieved in the second harvest, with 3,950 kg da-1, while the highest dry forage yield was obtained in the third harvest, with 1,480 kg da-1. Since no proper yield was obtained from the alfalfa planted in Konya during the first year and the yield data were collected in the following year, the simulations of the Bilensoy-80 alfalfa variety yield based on climate change scenarios using the LINTUL MULTI-CROP model could not be conducted accurately. In conclusion, the increase in CO2 levels in Adana enhanced the alfalfa yield, while temperature increases boosted the yield in the second and third harvests. Keywords: Alfalfa, climate change, CO2 increase, high CO2, high temperature, LINTUL MULTI-CROP, plant modeling, yield increase