Medicago sativa GLORIA® is a variety of alfalfa seeds intended for agricultural use. This variety is characterized by a moderate time to flowering onset and a semi-erect growth habit, with plants reaching medium to high heights. Leaves are light-colored, of medium length and width, while flowers range from dark blue-violet to mixed shades, with creamy, white, or yellow flowers being virtually absent. The vegetative period lasts about 70 days, enabling a stable yield throughout the season. GLORIA® alfalfa demonstrates high green mass yield, with an average in the Central Black Earth region reaching 63.5 centners per hectare, exceeding standard indicators by 3.7 centners. The maximum yield was recorded in the Kursk region and amounted to 137.6 centners per hectare. Dry matter content in the plants is approximately 26.7%, indicating high-quality fodder mass. After mowing, plant height gradually decreases, allowing for up to three cuts per season. Alfalfa is one of the most valuable leguminous forage crops due to its high content of complete protein, carotene, vitamins, and trace elements. It is cold-hardy and can withstand frosts down to -25 °C without snow cover and up to -40 °C under snow. Seeds germinate at temperatures from 1-2 °C, while the optimal temperature for maximum yield is about 25 °C. Alfalfa grows well on various soils with a neutral reaction (pH 6.5-7.5), except for peatlands and acidic soils. Due to rapid regrowth after mowing, it provides stable and nutritious feed for various types of livestock throughout the summer.
