Direct seeding of alfalfa in grain stubble and bromegrass sod

Abstract

Direct seeding of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a valuable alternative to conventional seeding. However, yield and nutritive value of forage obtained in the seeding year by direct seeding are not documented for Eastern Canadian conditions. The objective of this study was to assess the forage potential of alfalfa direct seeded into a grain stubble and a bromegrass sod. In the grain stubble, alfalfa development was slower and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L. Weber) density was higher under direct than under conventional seeding. Forage DM yields were similar under direct and conventional seeding. Crude protein concentration and in vitro dry matter digestibility, however, were higher under conventional seeding than under direct seeding. In the bromegrass sod, the existing stand fertilized with N had higher DM yield than any of the renovated plots. Direct-seeded alfalfa had lower DM yield than conventionally seeded alfalfa. Direct seeded alfalfa with glyphosate applied in band did not establish successfully. In the post-seeding year, DM yields, crude protein concentration and in vitro dry matter digestibility were similar for all seeding systems. Key words:Medicago sativa L., no-till, legume establishment, sod renovation, zero tillage