Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2011

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Biology and Microbiology

Abstract

Alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.) is a perennial legume that is widely utilized for hay, pasture, haylage, and green manure in the United States and Canada. Inclusion of alfalfa in grazing lands in the Northern Great Plains has been an interest for many years. However, persistence of alfalfa under grazing can be poor, especially when harsh environemental conditions contribute additional stress. Demand exists for alfalfa that can establish and persist in semiarid grazing lands. A naturalized population of predominantly yellow-flowered alfalfa (Medicago saliva L. subsp ..falcata [L.] Arcang.) exists in the Grand River National Grassland in northwestern South Dakota. Increased use of this alfalfa in agricultural production systems has the potential to provide sustainable benefits. Few studies have evaluated persistence and performance of naturalized yellow-flowered alfalfa in comparision with other alfalfa populations. Contemporary research about interseeding naturalized yellow-flowered alfalfa in semiarid grazing lands is also needed. Our objectives were: I) to determine the suitability of yellow-flowered alfalfa populations for pasture use in the Northern Great Plains, and 2) to evaluate the effect of seeding date, sod suppression, and seeding rate on initial establishment of yellow-flowered alfalfa interseeded in crested wheatgrass [Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.]. Research was conducted in the Northern Great Plains to address these two objectives. Research results revealed that yellow-flowered alfalfa populations are persistent under a wide variety of stresses including mob grazing and ice sheets. Initially establishing yellow-flowered alfalfa in crested wheatgrass stands is possible. However, growing conditions (e.g. precipitation) appear to have a greater influence on initial establishment than seeding date, sod suppression, and seeding rate. This thesis is intended to provide the reader with relevant information about yellow-flowered alfalfa research conducted from 2006 through 20 l 0. The author encourages future research that would expand on the studies described in this thesis.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Alfalfa -- Great Plains

Alfalfa -- South Dakota

Rangelands -- Revegetation -- Great Plains

Rangelands -- Revegetation -- South Dakota

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

198

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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