Effect of Nitrogen Application and Cutting Frequency on the Yield and Forage Quality of Alfalfa in Seasonal Cultivation

Although nitrogen application and cutting frequency (CF) are two important factors affecting forage productivity quality, their effects on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), particularly in humid areas, remain less understood. Here, we investigated the fertilization regimes for seasonal cultivation areas southern China. Treatments performed over a 2-year period were of split-plot design with four N rates (60, 120, 180, 240 kg ha−1) three CFs (five, four, times.). After cutting, components, yield, quality measured. In both cycles, × CF interactions yield non-significant. influenced plant height, mass shoot−1, leaf area shoots plant−1. had remarkable under different applications, cut five times having best nutritive value quality. However, neutral acid detergent fiber contents lower than when times, produced lowest yields. Forage highest vitro digestible dry matter. conclusion, to obtain high yields desirable 180 ha−1 spring could be suitable strategy production during