Effects of Row Spacing and Sowing Rate on Quality Performance of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Under Tokat Ecological Conditions

Abstract

This research was conducted to determine the effects of row spacing and sowing rate on the hay quality characteristics of alfalfa under Tokat-Kazova ecological conditions during the years of 2014-2016. Alfalfa cultivar Bilensoy-80 was sown at four different row spacings (15, 30, 45 and 60 cm) and six different sowing rates (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 kg ha-1). The experimental design was randomized complete block design in split plots with four replications. Row spacings were main plots and sowing rates were sub-plots. The highest crude protein content (% 20.8) and relative feed value (147.8) were obtained from 5 kg ha-1 sowing rate and 15 cm row spacing. It was concluded based on present findings that Belinsoy-80 alfalfa cultivar should be sown at 15 cm row spacing and 25 kg ha-1sowing rate for high hay quality under Tokat-Kazova ecological conditions.