Alfalfa variety «Grace» represents a variable subspecies Medicago sativa L. nothosubsp. varia, created through mass selection. This variety is characterized by medium plant height in spring, semi-erect bushes, and leaves with medium-intensity green coloring. Flowers vary in color, including blue-violet, cream, white, and yellow shades, which adds decorative value to the plant. Stems are of medium length at full flowering, and plant height varies depending on cuts, which promotes optimal stand formation and reduces lodging risk.
Variety «Grace» is well adapted to conditions of various regions of Russia, including the Northwestern, Central, Volga-Vyatka, Ural, Western Siberian, and Eastern Siberian. It demonstrates high forage productivity, forming three full cuts during the growing season. Average dry matter yield reaches 90.8 c/ha in the second region, exceeding the average standard. Maximum dry matter yield indicators reach 110 c/ha and above in various testing farms. Green mass is characterized by high protein content (around 17.5% in the second region), feed units, as well as an optimal level of fat and fiber, ensuring high-quality feed for intensive livestock farming.
Alfalfa «Grace» has a powerful root system that allows efficient use of moisture from deep soil layers, providing drought resistance and temperature fluctuation tolerance. The variety reacts little to moisture deficiency but uses its presence well, enhancing yield stability. The plant is suitable for single-species sowings and forage mixtures, and can also be used for grazing animals during growth. The third cut occurs in late August to early September, which promotes good preparation of plants for wintering. Foliage and stand productivity remain at a high level for several years of use.
