engleski

Characteristics of alfalfa growing in the Eastern Croatia

Alfalfa is the most spread forage crop on arable lands in Croatia.Concerning harvested area in the last decade period of 1980-1989, alfalfa was fourth-ranged field crop (60 thousands hectares year-1) following corn (511), wheat (311) and potato (81).In general, hay yields of alfalfa in Croatia are low (10-year average 4.89 t ha-1).About one forth-part of alfalfa harvested area in Croatia is situated in the Eastern Croatia (Slavonia and Baranya provinces).Importance of alfalfa growing is possible to compare with its economic values compared to corn as a main arable crop.For example, status of these values (millions US$) in 1993 were 222.3 and 33.6, for corn and alfalfa, respectively (Statistical year book, 1994).Osijek Agricultural Institute is main organizer of alfalfa production in Croatia.Alfalfa breeding and seed production programmes in this institute began seriously about 40 years ago.The first alfalfa variety Osječka 66 was recognized 1969 and until now total 17 alfalfa varieties were recognized (Popović 1998).

alfalfa; seed production; cultivar; yield

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