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The Effects of Planting Density and Nitrogen Application on the Growth Quality of Alfalfa Forage in Saline Soils

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  • Jiao Liu

    (Joint International Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
    China-Sudan Joint Laboratory of Crop Salinity and Drought Stress Physiology, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou 225000, China)

  • Faguang Lu

    (Joint International Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
    China-Sudan Joint Laboratory of Crop Salinity and Drought Stress Physiology, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou 225000, China)

  • Yiming Zhu

    (Joint International Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
    China-Sudan Joint Laboratory of Crop Salinity and Drought Stress Physiology, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou 225000, China)

  • Hao Wu

    (Joint International Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
    China-Sudan Joint Laboratory of Crop Salinity and Drought Stress Physiology, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou 225000, China)

  • Irshad Ahmad

    (Joint International Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
    China-Sudan Joint Laboratory of Crop Salinity and Drought Stress Physiology, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou 225000, China)

  • Guichun Dong

    (Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation and Physiology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China)

  • Guisheng Zhou

    (Joint International Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
    College for Overseas Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China)

  • Yanqing Wu

    (Joint International Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
    China-Sudan Joint Laboratory of Crop Salinity and Drought Stress Physiology, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou 225000, China)

Abstract

Soil salinization has become one of the major abiotic stresses limiting agricultural production globally. The full utilization of coastal saline-alkali land is of great significance for agricultural development. Among them, fertilizer management and planting density are crucial for promoting crop growth and productivity in saline soils. Field experiments were conducted to study the effects of different nitrogen application rates and planting densities on the growth, yield, and quality of alfalfa. Using alfalfa variety WL919 as the experimental material, three seeding rates of 15.0 kg·ha −1 (D1), 30.0 kg·ha −1 (D2), and 45.0 kg·ha −1 (D3) as well as three nitrogen application rates of 150.0 kg·ha −1 (N1), 225.0 kg·ha −1 (N2), and 300.0 kg·ha −1 (N3) were set. The results showed that under the same density, different nitrogen application rates had a positive impact on the agronomic traits and yield of alfalfa on saline-alkali land. Physiological and biochemical properties (chlorophyll and sucrose) increased with increasing nitrogen application, and (starch) increased initially and then decreased with increasing nitrogen application. Forage quality attributes (crude protein and crude ash) had a significant impact, while crude fat had no significant effect. Under the same nitrogen application, the yield of alfalfa increased with increasing density but then decreased after reaching a peak, while other traits initially increased and then decreased. In conclusion, the nitrogen fertilizer was superior in promoting alfalfa growth, biomass yield, and forage yield, while planting density was more suitable at D2. Although both D2N2 and D2N3 treatments were superior to others, considering economic benefits and environmental factors, it is recommended to use D2N2 as the appropriate treatment.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiao Liu & Faguang Lu & Yiming Zhu & Hao Wu & Irshad Ahmad & Guichun Dong & Guisheng Zhou & Yanqing Wu, 2024. "The Effects of Planting Density and Nitrogen Application on the Growth Quality of Alfalfa Forage in Saline Soils," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-22, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:2:p:302-:d:1338406
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Li, Xiaoxin & Hu, Chunsheng & Delgado, Jorge A. & Zhang, Yuming & Ouyang, Zhiyun, 2007. "Increased nitrogen use efficiencies as a key mitigation alternative to reduce nitrate leaching in north china plain," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 89(1-2), pages 137-147, April.
    2. Helalia, Awad M. & Al-Tapir, O. A. & Al-Nabulsi, Y. A., 1996. "The influence of irrigation water salinity and fertilizer management on the yield of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 31(1-2), pages 105-114, June.
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