Determination of yield and quality characteristics of some alfalfa varieties nnder Kırşehir conditions

This research was carried out in randomized complete block design in the field trial area of Ahi Evran University in 2013 and 2014 years. To determine suitable varieties of alfalfa for Kırşehir conditions, yield and quality attributes of Bilensoy, Elçi, Emiliano, Gea, Kayseri, Magnum, Plato, Prosementi, Sunter and Victoria varieties were investigated. Herbage yield, dry matter yield, crude protein yields were determined for yield assesment, and important parameters such as crude protein, ADF, NDF ratios and RFV values were determined for quality assesment. Herbage yield were ranged between 1310.99- 1650.92 kg/da, dry matter yield between 453.61- 574.41 kg/da and crude protein yields between 88.19-112.93 kg/da. Crude protein ratios were determined between 18.38%-20.45, ADF ratios 33.50%-36.94%, NDF ratios 45.73%-47.46%, and RFV values 118.4-125.3. The highest herbage yield, dry matter yield and crude protein yield were obtained from Victoria, the highest crude protein content from Magnum, the lowest ADF ratio from Elçi, and the lowest NDF ratio and also the highest RFV values from Sunter varieties. Sunter and also Magnum, Kayseri varieties can be recommended for production of quality forage after assesment of yield and quality attributes under Kırşehir and similar conditions.