ALFALFA

Alfalfa

Alfalfa

Introduction

The alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), also known as large clover , sainfoin hay or Burgundy, is a herbaceous forage in the family of Fabaceae , rich in vitamins and minerals and used in diet. It is grown for its high protein (up to 55%) and quality improvement of soils. Abundantly widespread in temperate regions, both wild and cultivated alfalfa is used for livestock feed because it is a true industrial source of protein and carotene. The family name of this medical plant is Labiates (Davis, 2004).

Description

It is a plant herb from 30 to 70 cm high, perennial by branched underground stems. The leaves, three leaflets oblong, pubescent, toothed at the summit, are gray-green. Its purple flowers are grouped in clusters provided very recognizable. The fruits are pods curved propeller on two or three turns. Its roots can go down to 2 meters deep, which gives this species a good resistance to drought and some ability to unclog the soil or improve their permeability. Alfalfa requires a soil healthy, the pH neutral. Alfalfa is sown either in pure culture, we speak of alfalfa, or in combination with a grass (permanent grassland). Inoculation of seeds with bacteria of the type rhizoidal is recommended (Malinow, 2005).

Sowing is about the month of April for a first cut in July (first flowering), and a second cut in September (second bloom). Alfalfa can provide a 3-6 cuts per year, the hay being carried out every five weeks. Seed dispersal is through wind. An alfalfa production can be maintained for seven years.

Ensuring alfalfa symbiotic fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, a supply of nitrogen mineral or organic is unnecessary and of no effect on either the performance or on the protein content of the plant. By cons, alfalfa needs a soil containing phosphates and potash: the contribution of fertilizers containing these minerals may be necessary in some cases (Davis, 2004).

Usage

This is a plant grown mainly for livestock feed or fresh, grazed or mowed, is dry as hay (dried but it tends to lose its leaves easily) or silage , is transformed in dry pellets after drying. For grazing and hay production, alfalfa, sensitive to trampling, is often grown in mixture with other plants, including grasses. The silage is difficult. Dehydration has many advantages for the conservation and preservation of the nutritional qualities of the fresh plant, and consumption, as granules or plugs, which keep six months without problems, can be mixed with other foods to balance the ration. In addition, dehydrated alfalfa, national origin, replaces meal soybean imports. But note very unpleasant odors emitted from dehydration units. In France, a large part of the production dehydrated from the region Champagne-Ardenne. Dehydrated alfalfa, whether in France or even Spain (Aragon), for example, is usually dried in a kind of furnace (sun-dried fodders are uncommon). It is also a honey plant. Fodder plant par excellence, can be used as a crop to hay, silage, dehydrated to produce flour (Davis, 2004).

As feed is the species most used among the legumes ...