Determination of hay yield and some quality traits of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars in Yozgat ecologycal conditions

This research was conducted to determine hay yield and some quality properties of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars at the establishment (2013) and first production year (2015) between 2013-2015 two years two consecutive years. Bilensoy, Kayseri, Verko, Gea, Plato, Victoria, Emiliano, Sunter, Nimet and Basbag cultivars were used as plant material. Research was conducted as a randomized complete block design with 3 replicates. In this study, plant height, dry matter yield, crude protein content, crude protein yield, ADF, NDF, NYD and mineral content (Ca, Mg, P, K ) of alfalfa cultivars were determined. According to combined years, the highest and lowest plant height was determined in Plato (57.3 cm) and Verko (45.1 cm) cultivars, respectively. Hay yields ranged between 2107.0 and 4330.5 kg/da. Studies show that crude protein content of cultivars varied from 24.2 to 26.1 %. The highest total protein yield was determined in Sunter (590.6 kg/da), while the lowest Gea (325.1 kg/da). Ca, Mg , P and K content of alfalfa cultivars were sufficient for animal feed. According to the results of two years; Sunter, Victoria, Basbag, Nimet, Emiliano and Plato cultivar were showed high performance and this cultivar can be grown successfully in Yozgat ecological conditions. Key words: Alfalfa, hay yield, crude protein, ADF, NDF, minerals