LUCERNE

Lucerne also known as "alfalfa" or "rijka" in northern India is a protein rich fodder and considered as "queen of fodder crop". It is a perennial plant and can supply fodder for 3-4year in same growing. Along with protein, it is also major source of mineral and calcium. It is a palatable green fodder contains 16-25% of crude protein and 20-30% of fibre. Lucerne is native of South-West Asia. It is a hardy leguminous crop and can survive in drought conditions. It can be easily converted into silage and hay. It is winter season crop and mainly cultivated in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. In one season 7 to 8 cutting can be taken with average fodder yield of 28 to 32tonnes/acre.

 It can be cultivated on variety of soils but it gives best result when grown on deep and well drained loamy soils. Avoid waterlogged, alkaline and heavy soils for its cultivation.

LL composit 5: It is a fast growing, tall annual variety having broad dark green leaves with purple flowers. Seeds of this variety are bold. It gives to resistant to downy mildew. It gives average yield of 280qtl/acre.

 Fertilizer Requirement (kg/acre)

Nutrient Requirement (kg/acre)

At time of sowing, apply Nitrogen@8-10 kg in form of Urea@18-22 kg, Phosphorus@32-40 kg in form of SSP@200-250 kg per acre.

To keep field weed free, carry out first hoeing one month after sowing. In rainy season weed infestation is high at that time take hoeing operation according to weed intensity. To control weed chemically, apply Trifluralin@1litre/acre before seed sowing.

For good germination of seed, give pre-sowing irrigation. At initial stage, provide frequent irrigation at interval of week. After plant establishment, depending upon soil type and climate, apply irrigations at interval of 15-30 days in winter and 10-12 days in summer. No irrigation is needed during rainy season. Provide proper drainage during rainy season to avoid water logging in soil.

• Insect Pest and their control:

Lucerne caterpillar, jassid and weevil: If infestation is observed, take spray of Hexavin 50WP@450gm or Malathion 50EC@ 400ml in 100Ltr of water per acre.

• Disease and Their control:

After sowing, crop is ready to harvest for cutting in 75 days. Remaining cuttings are taken at interval of 30-40 days.

When crop is raised for seed production, carry out last cutting in mid-march. When crop is at full blossom stop irrigation, it will help in good seed yield. After pods get dry, complete harvesting should be done immediately to avoid shedding of pods. From one acre 75-100 kg of seed yield is obtained.