Lucerne variety Timbalé is a perennial forage crop developed by Italian breeders of the company Continental Semences. This medium-maturing variety is characterized by high yield: average dry matter yield reaches 110.8 ц/ha, and green mass yield — 387.6 ц/ha. Plants have medium bushiness and height from 66 to 87 cm. Protein content in the forage is about 20%, making lucerne a valuable source of nutrients for animals. The variety is resistant to diseases and pests, including verticillium wilt, ensuring stable yield and feed quality. The variety is registered for cultivation in the Central Chernozem region and Almaty region, confirming its adaptability to different climatic conditions. Lucerne Timbalé prefers fertile, loose soils with optimal acidity in the pH range 6.5-7.5. It grows well on loess soils with deep plow layer, as well as on cultivated podzolic and clay soils. The crop requires optimal moisture and can utilize water from various soil layers due to its well-developed root system. For sowing, the recommended rate is 25 кг/ha with seed depth of 1-1.5 cm and mandatory rolling. Optimal sowing periods are spring (March-April) and summer (July-August). When growing lucerne, crop rotation with a 4-6 year break is necessary, as the crop is not compatible with itself and most grain legumes. Special attention when growing Timbalé variety is given to weed, disease, and pest control. To create stable swards, it is necessary to maintain low weed infestation and conduct timely mowing, although mowing weakens the plants. Early application of herbicides promotes formation of optimal sward. Lucerne is susceptible to more than 170 insect species and various diseases, including wilting and leaf diseases, so preventive measures are essential. Due to biological nitrogen fixation, lucerne does not require additional nitrogen fertilization, but it needs phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium fertilization based on soil analysis, as well as liming to maintain optimal pH.
