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Copy link Polysulphate Alfalfa Trial in Italy
9.1
Ravenna, Italy 2020
9.1
Key Conclusions
The protein percentage was increased by 9.1% and the RFV increased by 9.6% as compared to the control.
Objective
To evaluate the effect of Polysulphate on the quality and yield of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) in Northern Italy.
Trial Details
Trial station
Ravenna, Italy
Crop
Alfalfa
Product
Granular Polysulphate
Assessments
Yield, dry matter (%), proteins, and RFV (Relative Feed Value)
Treatments
The trial consisted of strip plots with 4 replicates. The 3 treatments were:
- a control without Polysulphate,
- Polysulphate applied on 27 December 2019 at 150 kg/ha, and
- Polysulphate applied on 27 December 2019 at 300 kg/ha.
The 4 cuts of alfalfa took place on: 4 May, 12 June, 16 July and 26 August 2020.
As per the farmer’s usual practice, the alfalfa was grown in rotation with wheat.
Treatments
The trial consisted of strip plots with 4 replicates. The 3 treatments were:
- a control without Polysulphate,
- Polysulphate applied on 27 December 2019 at 150 kg/ha, and
- Polysulphate applied on 27 December 2019 at 300 kg/ha.
The 4 cuts of alfalfa took place on: 4 May, 12 June, 16 July and 26 August 2020.
As per the farmer’s usual practice, the alfalfa was grown in rotation with wheat.
Results
- Polysulphate application generally increased the protein percentage and the Relative Feed Value (RFV). Protein content was significantly higher in the first cut with the application of 300 kg/ha of Polysulphate, and similar trends appeared in the other cuts, though not significant.
- Considering the mean value of the 4 cuts, Polysulphate application at 300 kg/ha enhanced the quality parameters of the alfalfa. The protein percentage was increased by 9.1% and the RFV increased by 9.6% as compared to the control.
- Drought in spring-summer limited the productivity of dry matter (16.2 t/ha over the 4 cuts, on average). Dry matter production was similar across treatments, with no significant differences on the individual cuts nor in the cumulative production.
Polysulphate fertilizer enhanced the quality parameters of the alfalfa crop.
Letters indicate significant differences at P < 0.05.
Alfalfa trial inspection
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8.2
