Agronomy journal, Vol. 87 No. 4, 2025.
Professional paper
Influence of agroecological conditions and agronomic practices on alfalfa seed yield and quality
Katarina Perić
orcid.org/0009-0009-2196-9658
; Poljoprivredni institut Osijek, Osijek, Hrvatska
*
Gordana Bukvić
; Fakultet agrobiotehničkih znanosti Osijek, Sveučilište J. J. Strossmayera u Osijeku, Osijek, Hrvatska
Goran Herman
orcid.org/0000-0002-9288-2367
; Fakultet agrobiotehničkih znanosti Osijek, Sveučilište J. J. Strossmayera u Osijeku, Osijek, Hrvatska
Marijana Tucak
; Poljoprivredni institut Osijek, Osijek, Hrvatska
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most important perennial forage legumes. Still, stable seed production remains a challenge due to the strong influence of agroecological conditions. The aim of this paper is to present the key factors affecting alfalfa seed production, with particular emphasis on flowering, pollination, fertilization, pod formation, seed filling, and seed ripening, and to highlight the possibilities for improving seed production. Favourable climatic conditions, good soil structure and soil reaction, balanced fertilization, appropriate seeding rate and row spacing, effective weed, pest and disease control, and timely harvesting are important for achieving stable seed yield and high seed quality. Understanding the interactions among genotype, environment, and agronomic practices is essential for improving alfalfa seed production across diverse agroecological conditions.
Keywords
Medicago sativa L.; seed production; temperature; precipitation; pH value; fertilization; sowing rate; harvest
Hrčak ID:
350529
URI
Publication date:
1.6.2026.
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