The dataset contains forage quality data from alfalfa variety tests conducted by researchers in the US from 1986 through 1999. All trials measured forage yield, while a subset also measured stand persistence; these data are also available in PURR. The data were aggregated from the Alfalfa Variety Performance Database originally compiled in 2000 by Daniel W. Wiersma and Wayne G. Hartman (doi: 10.4231/PHKH-4334). The database was used to analyze long-term trends in genetic improvement of alfalfa yield, quality, and agronomic performance.

The forage quality file contains cultivar- and harvest-specific forage quality and corresponding yield data. It is organized by Trial, and includes trial-specific spatial (state, latitude, longitude, elevation), and temporal (year of trial, harvest number, harvest date, planting date) details. Finally, when available soil type and statistics are also provided. A companion dataset contains the characteristics of these alfalfa varieties (doi: 10.4231/FMY9-6966).

Researchers should cite this work as follows:

• Wiersma, D.; Wayne G. Hartman; Pejša, S.; Brouder, S. M.; Volenec, J. J. (2020). Genetic and environmental variation in alfalfa forage quality from variety testing experiments conducted in North America between 1986 and 1999. Purdue University Research Repository. doi:10.4231/02PR-9H36

  BibTex | EndNote

1. acid detergent fiber
2. ADF
3. Agronomy
4. Agronomy (Dept)
5. Alfalfa
6. alfalfa_db
7. crude protein
8. digestibility
9. Forage quality
10. genetic variation
11. Lucerne
12. Medicago
13. NDF
14. neutral detergent fiber
15. Nutritive value
16. variety
17. Yield components