Alfalfa variety 'Meteor' is a two-cut culture created using modern breeding methods, including chemical mutagenesis and intraspecific hybridization. This variety is distinguished by high winter hardiness, reaching 95-98%, and an early maturity period, which allows for a harvest 14-16 days earlier than standard varieties. The plant stems are of medium length and thickness with weak pubescence, leaves are of medium length and width with characteristic white markings, and the inflorescences are pink. The seeds are multicolored, which is a distinctive feature of the variety.
'Meteor' boasts high yield: the average dry matter yield is about 43.2 c/ha, corresponding to the standard level, while according to the originator's data, it reaches 118 c/ha, which is 18% higher than standard indicators. Over two cuts, up to 524 c/ha of green mass can be obtained. The variety is characterized by high leafiness and high crude protein content in dry matter (15.8-18.1%), making it a valuable forage plant. Fiber content is about 25.6%, which promotes good digestion in animals.
Furthermore, 'Meteor' alfalfa is widely used as green manure, improving soil structure, its mechanical and chemical composition, as well as increasing the number of beneficial microorganisms. The plant helps loosen the topsoil and protects it from water and wind erosion. The variety is well-suited for cultivation on shaded areas and can be used as an annual crop, although the best results are achieved with two-year cultivation, when in the second year the plant significantly increases the soil's nitrogen supply.
