Effects of Alternate Irrigation on Alfalfa(Medicago sativa)Yield and Quality

The effect of alternate furrow irrigation on biomass and quality of alfalfa were investigated.A field experiment was designed with two irrigation modes(alternate furrow irrigation-AFI and conventional irrigation-CI),two alfalfa varieties(Gold Empress and Liangmu No.2)and four irrigation volumes(65%-I1,80%-I2,95%-I3 and 110%-I4 of conventional irrigation volume).The results showed that although alternate furrow irrigation volume was 50% of the conventional irrigation volume,the alfalfa yield was not significantly decreased compared to conventional irrigation.Although alternate furrow irrigation decreased the content of crude fiber,neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber,it increased the content crude protein of Gold Empress and Liangmu No.2when the irrigation volume was more than 65%and95% of normal conventional irrigation volume,respectively.When irrigation volume was more than 80%of normal conventional irrigation volume,alternate furrow irrigation increased crude fat content,but did not significantly affect the crude ash and nitrogen free extract.These results proved that alternative irrigation not only saved 50%irrigation volume but also kept the yields and quality of alfalfa stable,indicating that alternative furrow irrigation could be applied to irrigation management of alfalfa hay production,but the proper varieties and irrigation volume must be selected according to specific regions.