Lucerne — a perennial herbaceous crop from the legume family, widely used as high-quality animal feed. It is characterized by high yield, weather resistance, and significant nutritional value. Thanks to its strong root system, lucerne not only provides abundant green mass but also contributes to soil enrichment with nitrogen, improving its structure and fertility. When cut and incorporated into the soil, lucerne can supply up to 200 kg of nitrogen per hectare, positively affecting soil health and quality.
This crop can grow on various soil types, except acidic and saline ones, preferring fertile soils. Seed sowing is carried out in spring after preliminary soil preparation, including harrowing. The optimal seeding depth is about 2 cm, requiring approximately 150 grams of seeds per 100 square meters. Lucerne is a perennial cover crop, achieving maximum effect in the second and subsequent years of cultivation.
Growing lucerne requires adherence to specific agronomic practices: proper variety selection, maintaining water regime, fertilization, and protection against diseases and pests. Additionally, the crop contributes to forming resilient agroecosystems, increasing organic matter content in the soil, and improving its health. Lucerne can also be used as a honey plant, expanding its application in agriculture.
