Production performance comparison of different alfalfa varieties in north Shanxi

Ten alfalfa varieties were selected to explore the adaptation and production performance in agro-pasture ecotone of north Shanxi, the overwintering rate and the yield were observed and investigated in field plots through two years. The results showed that the overwintering rate, hay yield, stem to leaf ratio and nutritional content of different alfalfa varieties had significant difference (P<0.05); the overwintering rate of WL-168HQ, Sanditi, Queen and Zhongmu No.1 were significantly higher than other varieties; the hay yield of Zhongmu No.1 was significantly higher than that of others except Queen; and the stem to leaf ratio of different alfalfa had greatly significant difference with the increasing of mowing frequency, and the nutritional content of different alfalfa varieties have extremely significant difference(P<0.01). Based on the demand of actual production (overwintering, yield and quality), Zhongmu No.1, Sandati and Algonquin were more suitable for promoting in this region than others through the comprehensive analysis.