Lucerne of the variety «Kuраж» is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the legume family, widely used in agriculture as a high-yield forage crop. It is characterized by its early maturity, ability to withstand brief frosts down to -3-5°C, and good tolerance to summer droughts. Due to its rapid regrowth in spring and after mowing, lucerne provides multiple cuttings per season — 2-3 times without irrigation and up to 4-5 times with irrigation systems. Green mass yield reaches 400-700 ц/га, hay — 50-150 ц/га, and seeds — 5-9 ц/га. When harvested as hay, the crop has high protein content, while as green feed, it has elevated phosphorus content.
In addition to its forage value, lucerne «Kuраж» plays an important role in soil improvement. Thanks to its robust root system, it helps loosen soil, accumulate nitrogen and organic matter, significantly enhancing soil fertility and structure. Lucerne also effectively suppresses weed growth, contributing to the formation of resilient agroecosystems. This crop is considered one of the best predecessors in crop rotation, improving soil health and quality.
Besides agricultural use, lucerne «Kuраж» is a valuable honey plant. Bees collect nectar and pollen from it, allowing for the production of aromatic, tasty, and nutritious honey under favorable conditions. Honey yield in irrigated areas can reach 300 kg per hectare, while without irrigation — 25-30 kg. Thus, lucerne «Kuраж» combines high forage productivity, agronomic benefits, and honey-producing qualities, making it a versatile and profitable crop to grow.
