ALFALFA
ALFALFA – Medicago sativa
Leguminosae
This is the most widely-grown forage legume. It is a pluriannual plant (lasting 3-4 economic years), which adapts well to various climate and soil types, although it prefers calcareous, deep, compact soil. However, it is better if the soil is loose, alluvial and fertile.
An important characteristic to take into consideration about this species is its DORMANCY, when growth and development stop during the winter. On a scale from 1 to 10 (from the most dormant during harsher winters, to the less dormant during milder winters), varieties are selected that can adapt to the local climate.
Types
VENICE
SEMINART Varieties
Sowing Period: Ideally in springtime (generally March).
Sowing Method: In rows 12-15 cm apart or broadcast.
Sowing Depth: Maximum 1-1.5 cm.
Quantity of Seeds: 30-40 Kg/ha.
Venice is obtained by phenotypic selection based on northern ecotypes. It is characterised by high digestibility thanks to its very thin stem which produces a very digestible forage, with less loss of foliage. This is a very productive alfalfa and regular in all cycles. It can hold a large quantity of protein, which produces high-quality food. It regrows quickly and makes a rapid recovery after winter. It tolerates nematodes and shows an excellent state of health. It is excellent for hay and silage (high in protein). Possible associations are Cock’s-Foot or Brome Grasses.
Morphological Characteristics:
Dormancy | 6 (semi-dormant) |
---|---|
Cycle | Medium-Premature |
Posture | Upright, tall |
Stems | Tall with fine stems |
Flower Colour | Pinkish-purple |
Leaves | Size of the central leaf: about 18 x 33mm |
Productivity | High and regular |
Longevity | High |
Regrowth | Rapid |
Agronomic Characteristics:
Use | Green fodder, silage |
---|---|
Characteristics | Excellent productive and qualitative characteristics |
Fibre | Low content |
Protein | High content |
Soil | All types |
Climate | Temperate, good environmental adaptibility |
Sowing Period | September/October, February/March |
Seeding Doses | 25/35 Kg/Ha |
RIVIERA VICENTINA
SEMINART Varieties
Sowing Period: ldeally in springtime (generally March).
Sowing Method: In rows 12-15 cm apart or broadcast.
Sowing Depth: Maximum 1-1.5 cm.
Quantity of Seeds: 30-40 Kg/ha.
This variety is obtained from the phenotypic selection of spontaneous plants from the ‘Leonicena’ ecotype. It is characterised by its abundant leafiness, relatively thin stem, high tillering rate and fast regrowth in springtime. It resists pathogens and adverse pedoclimatic conditions very well. It stands out for its long planting process (5-6 years) and its fast regrowth (5-6 cuts). Since the beginning, RIVIERA VICENTINA has demonstrated consistently high forage production and its adaptability to Italian soil. The results of some experiments carried out near Mantua and then published in Informatore Agrario (n°10/2009) demonstrated that RIVIERA VICENTINA was the third most productive variety.
Morphological Characteristics:
Dormancy | 7 (semi-dormant) |
---|---|
Cycle | Premature |
Posture | Upright, tall |
Stems | Fine |
Flower Colour | Pinkish-purple |
Leaves | High leafiness |
Productivity | High and regular |
Longevity | Very high |
Regrowth | Very rapid. Resists frequent cutting |
Agronomic Characteristics:
Use | Green fodder, silage |
---|---|
Characteristics | Excellent productive and qualitative characteristics |
Fibre | Low-fibre = excellent digestibility |
Protein | High content |
Soil | All types |
Climate | Excellent resistance to the cold and drought |
Sowing Period | August/mid-September, March/April |
Seeding Doses | 25/35 Kg/Ha |
BELLA CAMPAGNOLA
Sowing Period: ldeally in springtime (generally March). It can also be done in early Autumn (end of August-early September).
Sowing Method: In rows 12-15 cm apart or broadcast.
Sowing Depth: Maximum 1-1.5 cm.
Quantity of Seeds: 30-40 Kg/ha; the highest dose should be used for heavier soil types or less stable soil.
SS % | 61,0 |
---|---|
PG % | 21,0 |
NDF %s .s. | 42,7 |
ADF % s.s. | 33,5 |
ADL % s.s. | 6,2 |
---|---|
ZUC % s.s | 4,4 |
dNDF % s.s. | 41,4 |
ULF NRC3 | 0,86 |
Average Statistical Values
Characteristics:
Dormancy | 6.5 (semi-dormant) |
---|---|
Productivity | Good |
Longevity | Medium |
Size | Medium-tall |
Stems | Medium |
Leaves | Abundant leafiness |
Fibre | Low content |
Protein | High content |
Regrowth | Very good |
Soil | All types, but particularly fresh and light types |
Climate | Temperate |
Description:
This variety is of a medium-tall size. It has fine stems and abundant leafiness. It is suitable for all types of soil but especially fresh and light types.
It provides a high-quality, appetising forage, with low NDF content (Neutral Detergent Fibre) and high protein content.
Very good regrowth rate. It is also suitable for dehydration.
In the three years of testing carried out by CRPA, near Modena (dated 2010), it was ranked among the most productive cultivars, with a value of +5% above average.
GIGANTE ROMEA
Sowing Period: ldeally in springtime (generally March). It can also be done in early Autumn (end of August-early September).
Sowing Method: In rows 12-15 cm apart or broadcast.
Sowing Depth: Maximum 1-1.5 cm.
Quantity of Seeds: 30-40 Kg/ha; the highest dose should be used for heavier soil types or less stable soil.
SS % | 61,0 |
---|---|
PG % | 21,0 |
NDF %s .s. | 42,7 |
ADF % s.s. | 33,5 |
ADL % s.s. | 6,2 |
---|---|
ZUC % s.s | 4,4 |
dNDF % s.s. | 41,4 |
ULF NRC3 | 0,86 |
Average Statistical Values
Characteristics:
Dormancy | 6.5 (semi-dormant) |
---|---|
Productivity | High |
Longevity | Very high |
Size | Medium-tall |
Stems | Thin. Excellent resistance to lodging |
Leaves | Very high leafiness |
Fibre | Balanced amount of fibre |
Protein | High protein content |
Regrowth | Rapid regrowth |
Soil | Suitable for all types |
Climate | Warm temperate |
Description:
Alfalfa from a national selection, widespread in Italy and abroad. This pluriannual forage plant has an upright posture, robust leafy stems and is very vigorous. Its green mass is highly palatable and nutritious.
It provides extensive but rough forage. It has an excellent regrowth rate.
It requires strong, rich and fresh soil; it is very resistant to drought and cold climates. It can adapt to all environments. In fact, it could have 2 to 4 cuts in areas with drier climates and 6 cuts in irrigated areas.
EZZELINA
Sowing Period: ldeally in springtime (generally March). It can also be done in early Autumn (end of August-early September).
Sowing Method: In rows 12-15 cm apart or broadcast.
Sowing Depth: Maximum 1-1.5 cm.
Quantity of Seeds: 30-40 Kg/ha; the highest dose should be used for heavier soil types or less stable soil.
SS % | 61,0 |
---|---|
PG % | 21,0 |
NDF %s .s. | 42,7 |
ADF % s.s. | 33,5 |
ADL % s.s. | 6,2 |
---|---|
ZUC % s.s | 4,4 |
dNDF % s.s. | 41,4 |
ULF NRC3 | 0,86 |
Average Statistical Values
Characteristics:
Dormancy | 6.5 (semi-dormant) |
---|---|
Productivity | Very high |
Longevity | Medium |
Size | Tall |
Stems | Medium-fine |
Leaves | Large and round |
Fibre | Low fibre |
Protein | High protein and beta-carotene content |
Regrowth | Rapid regrowth |
Soil | All types, including heavy and clay types |
Climate | Excellent resistance to cold and drought |
Description:
A national variety derived from phenotypic selection.
This plant is high with medium-fine stems, large and round leaves.
It contains little fibre and is therefore easily digestible. It contains a high level of protein and beta-carotene.
Suitable for all types, including heavy and clay types.
Excellent resistance to cold and drought.
Durable and resistant to frequent cuts. It has a remarkably fast rate of regrowth.
Autumn Sowing
Sowing Period: Autumn
Harvesting Period: April/May depending on climatic conditions