Performance Evaluation of Alfalfa (<i>Medicago sativa</i>) Cultivars for Biomass and Chemical Composition Yields

One potential perennial forage legume that can be adapted to a variety of agro-ecologies is alfalfa (Medicago sativa). The best adaptive alfalfa cultivars in the highland regions of the West Arsi Zone are not well known, despite the fact that alfalfa is a valuable source of high-quality animal feed. In order to find high-yielding, adaptive, and high-quality alfalfa cultivars for the study locations, the study was carried out. Using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, seven alfalfa cultivars FG-09-09, Magna-801, FB-96-T-206, FG-10-09, Magna-788, Alfalfa-Italy, and Hunter-river (Adapted Check) were assessed. In terms of plant height, leaf to stem ratio, number of tillers per plant, herbage DM yield, and seed yield, the results indicated substantial (p<0.001) variations across cultivars. Experimental years had a significant impact on plant height, leaf to stem ratio, and seed yield (p<0.001), as well as herbage DM yield and the number of tillers per plant (p<0.01). The highest DM output was achieved in the third year (2022/23) (specify the year) of production, while the mean DM yield recorded in the establishment year (2020/21) was lower than that of the second (2021/22) and third (2022/23) years. Among the studied cultivars, Magna-801 and Hunter River had the best seed yields during the three years, whereas FG-10-09 had the highest DM output (2.92-6.53 t/ha) in comparison to the other cultivars. Therefore, it is advised that smallholder farmers be shown these cultivars, and that they be made popular for production in agro-ecologies that are similar to those that have been evaluated. Additionally, more research is needed on the best times to plant, clip, and regulate soil moisture in order to increase alfalfa seed yield.