Determination of The Effects of Cutting Time on Forage Yield and Quality in Some Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Varieties

This study was conducted to determine effect of harvest times on yield and yield components of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) varieties in Tekirdağ conditions without irrigation between 2016–2018. The study was carried out in randomized block design with three replications. Gözlü-1, Bilensoy 80, Prosementi Bologna, Plato and Verko varieties was used as material, plants were harvested in two different flowering stages (%10 and %50). In two years statistical results, the characters of the study has significant differences and first year has higher results more than second year. According to statistical analyses years has significant differences and years was examined separately. In two years results plant height varied between 74.99–46.98 cm. Highest fresh forage yield was determined from variety Gözlü-1 (4188.98 kg/da), lowest fresh forage yield was determined from variety Bilensoy-80 (3543.71 kg/da). Fresh forage yield varied belongs to harvest stage. Alfalfa varieties had higher fresh forage yield at 50% flowering period (4353.24 kg/da) compared to 10% flowering stage (3190.67 kg/da). According to forage quality analyses, protein content was determined between 21.80-21.36 % in first year and 22.73-20.98 % in second year at % 10 and %50 flowering harvest time. The ADF was determined 40.15-42.47 % in first year and 39.60-43.25 % in second year; the NDF was determined 40.96-43.00 % in first year and 39.95-47.22 % in second year; the RFV was determined 124.78-127.43 % in first year and 108.72-138.83 % in second year at same harvest times.