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Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (31): 149-158.doi: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2025-0312

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Selection and Comprehensive Performance Evaluation of Alfalfa Varieties in Wind-sand Grassland Area

BU Huirong1,2(), YIN Shiyu1, XU Weizhou1(), CHANG Yuchi1, SHI Lei1, JIA Jianying2   

  1. 1 College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Yulin University, Yulin, Shaanxi 719000
    2 Niujialiang Forest Farm, Yuyang District, Yulin City, Yulin, Shaanxi 719000
  • Received:2025-04-21 Revised:2025-06-25 Online:2025-11-05 Published:2025-11-07

Abstract:

This study aimed to evaluate the adaptability and production potential of different Medicago sativa varieties in the northern sandy grassland area of Yulin, providing a scientific basis for the development of the alfalfa industry and ecological construction in this region. Twenty Medicago sativa varieties were selected for a three-cut field experiment. The experiment adopted a randomized block design. Near-infrared spectroscopy and chemical analysis were combined to determine nutritional indicators, and finally, the grey relational analysis method was used for comprehensive evaluation. Near-infrared spectroscopy was employed to rapidly determine the nutritional quality of alfalfa, and chemical analysis was integrated to ensure the accuracy of the data. This technique is simple, convenient, fast, and efficient, capable of providing multiple key nutritional indicators in a short period. Additionally, the grey relational analysis method was utilized to comprehensively rank the production performance and nutritional quality of different varieties, thereby presenting a comprehensive evaluation result. There were significant differences in the production performance and nutritional quality among different varieties. ‘Big galaxy’, ‘Optimus prime’, and ‘Santali’ exhibited the best annual dry hay yields, reaching 545.62, 544.12, and 544.72 t/hm2 respectively. The ‘Queen’ variety performed best in the first cut, especially in terms of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), dry matter (DM), and relative feed value. Grey relational analysis indicated that ‘Optimus Prime’, ‘Prower 4.2’, and ‘Queen’ ranked top three in comprehensive traits and had strong promotion potential. This study demonstrates that ‘Optimus Prime’, ‘Prower 4.2’, and ‘Queen’ possess excellent production performance and nutritional quality in the sandy grassland area of Yulin and are suitable for cultivation in this region. The results provide a scientific basis for forage selection and sustainable agricultural development in this area, and offer a reference for forage cultivation in similar regions.

Key words: Medicago sativa, introduction experiment, nutritional indicators, production adaptability, comprehensive evaluation