Lazar is a high-quality yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis Lam.) grown under controlled conditions to achieve maximum protein and beneficial substance content. The bush is upright and branched, reaching a height of 105 to 162 cm, which ensures good yield of dry matter - about 24.3 ц/га, and seeds - 5.3 ц/га. Leaves are round and dark green, and flowers are collected in long spindle-shaped yellow spikes, which makes the plant attractive for both fodder and decorative purposes.
Lazar sweet clover seeds have an oval shape, are colored in a yellow-green shade, and the mass of 1000 seeds ranges from 1.8 to 2.8 g. Due to the high protein content (0.5–0.7% above the standard level) and the presence of coumarins, Lazar sweet clover is valued as feed for cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, and poultry. As hay, it provides good forage value: 100 kg of green mass contains 17.5 forage units, and 100 kg of hay contains 44.0 forage units.
The vegetation period of Lazar sweet clover is from the beginning of growth to the first cut 65–80 days and to full seed maturity 104–126 days. The plant tolerates saline soils rich in lime well and can be used both in sown areas and in natural thickets. Thanks to its nectar-producing properties, Lazar sweet clover also attracts bees, contributing to honey production.
Thus, Lazar is a universal plant that combines high forage value, richness of biologically active compounds, and practical applicability in both agriculture and the food industry.
