Evaluation of Sowing Methods and Seeding Rates Effects on Fodder Yield and Some Agronomic Characters of Nikshahri Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Ecotype

In order to study the effect of sowing methods and seeding rates on fodder yield and some agronomic characters of Nikshahri alfalfa ecotype, an experiment was conducted in a split plot arrangement in Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications in the field of Agricultural and Natural Resources Center of Baluchistan in Iranshahr region. In this study, sowing methods: hand spread, 12 and 24 cm rows spacing were assigned to main plots and seeding rates: 20, 30, 40 and 50 kg.ha-1 were randomized in sub plots. The results showed that the effect of sowing methods was significant on fresh and dry fodder yields, leaf to stem ratio, and also stem no. per m2 at the 1% and 5% of probability levels. The highest fresh and dry fodder yields (222.3 and 35.3 ton.ha-1) were achieved in 12 cm row spacing. The effect of seeding rate was significant (p < 5%) on fresh and dry fodder yields and stem diameter. The highest fresh and dry fodder yields (215 and 33.84 t.ha-1) were obtained from 30 kg.ha-1 seeding rate. Interaction of sowing method × seeding rate was significant on fresh fodder yield at the 5% of probability level. The row spacing of 12 cm with 30 kg ha-1 seeding rate produced the highest fresh fodder yield (233.6 t.ha-1). It is concluded that, 12 cm row spacing and 30 kg.ha-1 seeding rate can be recommended for improving yield and agronomic characters of Nikshahri alfalfa ecotype in Iranshahr region.