Determining the suitable planting pattern for a dual-purpose seed and forage alfalfa stand based on economic values in Zanjan

Considering modifications in the usual alfalfa planting pattern is critical for expansion of alfalfa seed and forage dual-purpose cultivation idea between seed growers so that, an experimental design based on randomized block design run in two years 2013 and 2014 in Zanjan province. Four planting patterns including hand-spreading, 25, 50 and 75 cm row spacing put on the main plots and three seeding rates including 10, 20 and 30 kg/ha put on the subplots. Results of combined analysis revealed that highest dry forage yield produced from 25 and 50 cm row spacing which had not meaningful difference with each other. The same results happened for seed rates of 20 and 30 kg/ha which had the highest dry yield. Germination as a seed quality index was not affected by planting pattern and seeding rate. But seed weight produced from 10 kg/ha seeding rate was heavier than other treatments. Economic value of dry forage was higher in 25 and 50 cm row spacing and 20 to 30 kg/ha seeding rate which were the same as each other. Based on these results, the highest economic value of alfalfa dual-purpose forage and seed production acquired from planting pattern 50 cm row spacing and 10kg/ha seeding rate and may use for alfalfa seed stand establishment as a recommendation