- Lucerne Radius was bred under domestic climatic conditions. It is characterized by a very high yield, exceeding approximately 50% of all domestic varieties.
Characteristic:
A medium-early variety, cold-hardy, grows well after mowing, with reduced susceptibility to infection by Verticillium. It is distinguished by stiffness of the stems and lower susceptibility to lodging compared to domestic and foreign varieties. Radius is also characterized by abundant flowering and high resistance to periodic colds in the phase of forming the pods, which prevents the buds from falling off.
The variety gives very high yields of good quality forage and is one of the leading European varieties (grown in Sweden and France). High frost resistance of Radius protects the producer against loss of yield caused by freezing of the plantation. The traditional system of use includes the collection of three swaths, in good conditions it is possible to harvest high-quality forage 4 times.
Soil and climate requirements and fertilization:
Alfalfa has a well-developed root system, it yields best in wheat and good rye complex soils. The optimum pH of the soil is 6.5-7. It hates acidic soils with a high level of groundwater. Alfalfa is a typical long-day thermophilic plant. In cultivation, it is important that the stand is free of weeds. Before plowing, we apply liming and phosphorus-potassium fertilization. Lime doses should be 1.5-2.5 t / ha, 70 kg P205 per 1 ha, 100 kg K2O per 1 ha. Before sowing, it is recommended to use 20-25 kg N per 1 ha.
Sowing:
Lucerne is sown purely in spring or summer, and as an undersown protection plant in spring. The sowing rate for pure sowing is 10-16 kg / ha and 16-20 kg for undersown protection plant. Sowing at a depth of 1.5 cm. In the year of sowing, alfalfa is mowed in full flower, and the second time after 6-8 weeks. In the years of full use, we fertilize alfalfa with phosphorus and potassium.