• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.7-11
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• 2004

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plants have been reported to be autotoxic as well as allelopathic. Laboratory and greenhouse experiments through petri-dish and pot test were conducted to determine autotoxic effects of alfalfa leaf and soil extracts on the germination or early seedling growth of alfalfa, and to evaluate allelopathic effects of alfalfa leaf residues on alfalfa, barnyard grass, com, eclipta and soybean. Alfalfa seed germination was delayed depending on aqueous extract concentration, with no difference in final germination after 48 hours. Alfalfa root length was more sensitive to the autotoxic chemicals from leaf extracts than was germination or shoot length. Root growth of alfalfa was significantly inhibited at extract concentration of more than 1 g dry tissue/L (g $\textrm{L}^{-1}$). Hypocotyl growth, however, was not affected by all the concentrations of leaf extracts. Soil extracts from 4-yr-old alfalfa stand significantly reduced alfalfa root length by 66%, while soil extracts from 0,1, and 3yr-old stand stimulated root length up to 14-32% over the control. Residue incorporation with dry matters of alfalfa leaf at 100 g $\textrm{kg}^{-1}$ reduced seedling length of several crop and weed species, ranging from 53 to 87% inhibition. Addition of nutrient solution into alfalfa leaf extracts alleviated alfalfa autotoxic effect. This result indicates alfalfa leaf and soil extracts or residues could exert autotoxic as well as allelopathic substances into soil environments during and after establishment.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.63 no.2
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• pp.305-318
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• 2021

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an important forage legume grown in Kansas, USA and its productivity with cool-season grasses however is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the dry matter yield (DMY) and forage nutritive value of alfalfa-grass mixtures compared to those of alfalfa and grasses grown in monoculture with and without nitrogen fertilization. Three different alfalfa varieties were planted (reduced-lignin alfalfa, Roundup Ready, and conventional alfalfa) and two kinds of cool-season grasses (smooth brome, Bromus inermis Leyss, and tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea Schreb) were planted as a monoculture or in alfalfa-grass mixtures. Nitrogen fertilizer (urea) was applied at green-up at a rate of 56 kg/ha and after the second cutting at a rate of 56 kg/ha in 2016 and 2017, respectively. and control treatments received no nitrogen. DMY was significantly higher in monoculture alfalfa and alfalfa-grass mixtures than in grass monocultures. Between alfalfa monoculture and alfalfa-grass mixtures, no significant differences in DMY were found. For all treatments, nitrogen application significantly increased DMY compared to the control. In 2016 and 2017, the low-lignin alfalfa monoculture had the lowest acid detergent fiber (ADF) and the grass monocultures had the highest ADF. In 2016 and 2017, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in smooth bromegrass and tall fescue was higher than in other species treatments. A low-lignin alfalfa monoculture had significantly lower NDF concentration compared to alfalfa-grass mixtures. When averaged over 2016 and 2017, relative feed value (RFV) was highest in low-lignin alfalfa and lowest in the grass monocultures. In both years, nitrogen fertilizer application did not affect nutritive values.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.125-136
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• 1992

This study was conducted to estimate the effect of dietary alfalfa meal on the contents of egg yolk cholesterol, the levels of egg yolk pigmentation and the performance of laying hens. Alfalfa meal which was alternated wheat bran was supplied 0, 3.5 and 7%, respectively. Total 192 brown laying pullets of 47 weeks old were randomly assigned to the wire cages from July 23 to October 7, 1991 for 10 weeks. The results obtained were summarized as follows ： 1. The egg production was highest at 3.5% alfalfa meal level during the entire period. But there was no significant difference among treatments. 2. Egg weight increased in treatments 3.5 and 7% alfalfa meal supplementation significantly. (P<0.01). 3. Even though there was no significant difference, the daily egg mass was the highest at 3.5% of alfalfa meal level. 4. Daily feed intake was the highest at 3.5% of alfalfa meal level. However, feed conversion rate was the lowest among treatments. 5. The feed cost per kg egg mass in the treatment of 3.5% alfalfa meal was significantly lower than the other treatments. (P<0.05). 6. Shell thickness and shell weight in terms of egg shell quality were increased as the levels of alfalfa meal were increased. But there was no significant difference among treatments. 7, The egg yolk Pigmentation was improved significantly as the level of alfalfa meal was increased (P<0.01). 8.899 yolk cholesterol contents were decreased in the treatments of 3.5 and 7% alfalfa meal supplementation compared with those in the treatment of wheat bran only(P >0.05). The results of this study indicate that 3.5% alfalfa meal level was most effective and economical in laying hen.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.295-305
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• 1994

Greenhouse and laboratory studies were conducted to investigate the allelopathic potential of alfalfa and vetch residues on soybean and corn using various extract concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%, w/v) and residue rates (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1%, w/w). Aqueous extracts of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and vetch (Vicia spp.) exhibited an allelopathic effect on soybean and corn seed germination, seedling length and weight. The degree of inhibition significantly increased as the aqueous extract concentration increased. Alfalfa and vetch 20% extracts reduced soybean seed germination, seedling length and weight by 35%, 57%, 32% and 15%, 42%, 25% respectively, when compared to control. Corn germination, seedling length and weight was inhibited by 20%, 23%, 38% by alfalfa and 19%, 18%, 35% by 20% vetch extracts. Alfalfa and vetch extracts inhibited secondary root formation and branching as the extract concentration increased. Alfalfa and vetch 20% extracts inhibited by 41% and 32% secondary root numbers, respectively as compared to control. It was found that the aqueous extract of alfalfa resulted in greater reduction in germination, seedling length and weight of soybean than that of vetch. Alfalfa and vetch 1% residue rate inhibited soybean plant height by 30% and 10%, leaf area by 31% and 23%, and dry weight by 18% and 1%, nodule number by 27% and 20% also. Alfalfa and vetch residue significantly enhanced plant height, leaf area and dry weight of corn. The maximum stimulation occurred with 0.25% and 1% of alfalfa and vetch residue rates, respectively. Plant height, leaf area, and dry weight increased by 23%, 59%, 58% and 17%, 52%, 94% with alfalfa and vetch residues of 0.25% and 1%, respectively. This study demonstrates that there is an allelopathic potential resulting from alfalfa and vetch residues on soybean growth and yield. It also suggests that these residues may affect crop growth and development due to the inhibitory or stimulatory effects of allelochemicals existing in the residue.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.291-296
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• 1995

This study was conducted to determine the influence of alfalfa supplementation on intake, digestibility nitrogen and energy utilization in Korean native goats fed oak browse. This experiment was conducted by total collection method in laboratory, 1994. Diets included 100% oak bmwse(control), 75% oak browse+ 25% alfalfa and 50% oak browse + 50% alfalfa. Alfalfa supplemented diets were slightly higher CP(PO.O5). lignin (P<0.05) and tannin(P<0.05) contents than those control diets. Increasing levels of alfalfa supplementation, dry matter intake slightly increased, but no differences were observed in all diets. Digestibility for dry matter and cellular constituents showed higher for alfalfa supplemented diets than control diets(P<0.05), but NDF and ADF digestibility were similar for all diets. Alfalfa supplemented diets furnished higher dietary N, apparently digested N and retained N than did the control diets(P<0.05). Consumed energy slightly increased with increasing levels of alfalfa supplementation(P>0.05). DE was high(P<0.05) in alfalfa supplemented diets. but ME was similar for all diets. As above results, oak browse diets alone did not supply N and energy in excess of NRC recommended allowance for goats. Hence, goats fed oak browse with supplementation of protein sources such as alfalfa will be need to provides adequate nutrients.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.140-144
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• 2024

This study aims to contribute to resolving the critical issue of weed management in newly established alfalfa fields, study has been conducted on effective herbicide use. The study evaluated the impact of various domestically available foliar herbicides on alfalfa phytotoxicity, weed control, yield, and nutritive value. The experiment was designed in a randomized complete block design with four treatments. Alfalfa 'SW 5615' seeded in the spring of 2024 on a 1 ha field (March 18), with herbicide treatments including fluazifop-P-butyl (FPB), bentazone (BEN), and a mixture of these herbicides (MIX). Herbicide efficacy, alfalfa yield, and nutritive value were assessed 30 days post-application. Results indicated that the MIX treatment achieved superior weed control comparable to hand weeding (HW), although it exhibited higher phytotoxicity, requiring extended recovery periods. While MIX led to lower overall yield, it enhanced alfalfa purity, resulting in higher crude protein (CP) content and relative feed value (RFV) compared to other treatments. The study concludes that despite the potential for increased phytotoxicity, mixed herbicide treatments could offer a strategic advantage in enhancing the quality of alfalfa feed through effective weed management, thereby improving CP and RFV, critical factors for the nutritional value of alfalfa. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing weed management practices in alfalfa cultivation, suggesting that mixed herbicide application, although associated with increased phytotoxicity on the plants, could improve the overall feed quality by reducing weed competition.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.88-92
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• 1994

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of lime(0, 250, 500 and 1,000 kg/lOa) and phosphate (0, 17 and 34 kg/lOa) applications on growth and nitrogen fixation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). The phosphate applications improved(p<0.05) shoot, root and root nodule dry weight of Alfalfa and acetylene reduction activity of alfalfa with increasing levels of phosphate in the soil pH 6.2 at 7 and 12 weeks(ear1y bloom) after sowing, but these were not influnced with lime applications. Total nitrogen content of each part of alfalfa was increased with lime application, but was not significantly different by levels of lime application at 7 weeks after sowing. Application of phosphate did not affect total nitrogen content of each part of alfalfa. Total nitrogen contents of each part of alfalfa were not significantly different between lime and non-lime application at 12 weeks(ear1y bloom) after sowing but were decreased(p<0.05) with phosphate application(p< 0.05). These results suggest that lime(250 kg/lOa) and phosphate(34 kg/lOa) applications are effective for the growth and the nitrogen fixation of alfalfa at the soil pH 6.20.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.63 no.4
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• pp.799-814
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• 2021

Information is lacking about the effect of date of a fall cut of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) on dry matter yield (DMY), forage nutritive value, and stands persistence. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of timing of a fall cut on DMY, forage nutritive value and stand persistence of three alfalfa varieties: low-lignin Hi-Gest 360, Roundup Ready Tonica, and conventional Gunner in Northeastern Kansas in the United States. The field study was carried out by splitting plot in randomized complete block design with four replications. The harvesting data of different maturity stages were collected in each year from 2015 to 2018. Three cuts were harvested based on the stage of maturity, and the last (fourth) cut was done on September 15, September 30, October 15, and October 30 of each year. The persistence of the alfalfa stands was determined each fall after the last cut, and each spring after the first cut, by counting the number of live plants in a randomly placed quadrat in each plot. Alfalfa cut on September 15 and September 30 had a higher stand persistence compared to alfalfa cut on October 15 and October 30. The DMY of the first cut in 2016 was significantly higher in roundup ready than the low-lignin alfalfa variety. In the second cut, DMY was significantly higher in conventional alfalfa than the roundup ready. There were no significant differences in DMY between alfalfa varieties in the rest of seasonal cuttings in 2016 and 2017 and annual total yield in both years. In general, low lignin alfalfa variety had higher crude protein and relative feed value and lower acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber contents than those in roundup ready and conventional alfalfa varieties. On average, nutritive value of alfalfa was generally affected by last cutting dates in 2017. Based on 3-year data the last cutting of alfalfa in the fall could be done by September 30-October 15 without harmful effect on DMY.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.310-315
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• 2000

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plants have been reported to contain water-soluble substances that are autotoxic as well as allelopathic. Laboratory experiment through a petri-dish assay with imbibed seeds was conducted to evaluate both autotoxic and allelopathic effects of alfalfa leaf extracts on the germination and early seedling growth of alfalfa, red clover, crested wheatgrass, and Russian wildrye. Alfalfa seed germination was delayed dependent on extract concentration, with no difference in final germination at 72 hours. Root growth of alfalfa was stimulated up to 14% above control at very low concentrations of both leaf and stem extracts of alfalfa and was significantly reduced at extract concentration of more than 0.5g dry tissue/L (${gL}_{-1}$). Leaf extracts were generally more autotoxic for root growth than were stem extracts. Hypocotyl growth was not affected by all the concentrations of both leaf and stem extracts. Root length of legumes was more sensitive to the autotoxic chemicals from leaf extracts than was germination or shoot length. Hypocotyl growth of two legume plants and plant height of two grasses were not influenced by extracts. Seed germination and root growth of legumes were more inhibited by aqueous extracts of alfalfa leaf than were those of grasses. This result indicates autotoxic effect of alfalfa leaf extracts seems to be greater than allelopathic effect.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.134-138
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• 2000

Most parts of alfalfa plant have been reported to contain autotoxic substances that inhibit seed germination and early seedling growth, however, the chemical(s) is not still studied much. Effect of seed leachates of 'Vernal' alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was evaluated for inhibition of alfalfa germination and root growth through bioassay. Alfalfa seeds were extracted in 1 L deionized water for 1 h after soaking and the leachates caused to reduce root length of alfalfa significantly as the soaking time increased. Crude seeds at 4 g L$L^{-1}$ exudated autotoxins that reduce significantly root length by 34 % compared to the control, when the seeds soaked in deionized water for 24 h. However, the extracts did not affect final germination as well as speed of germination. Extracts from ground seeds significantly reduced speed of germination (GT 50) and root length. The results indicate that release of autotoxic substances from seeds during seed imbibition was increased with increase of soaking time and seed amount, and that autotoxicity was more occurred in ground seeds than in crude seeds.