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Introduction
to Colorado's alfalfa variety trials
Colorado alfalfa producers annually cut 850,000 acres valued
at over $280 million. To help hay producers make better
alfalfa variety decisions, Colorado State University researchers
evaluate alfalfa varieties at multiple locations. The objective
of these trials is to provide Colorado hay producers with reliable
and unbiased alfalfa variety information obtained from local
trials. Participation by the seed companies in the state trials
is completely voluntary. All commercial alfalfa seed companies
are given the opportunity to enter one or more varieties at any
location. Reference to commercial companies or varieties
is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended
and no endorsement is implied by Colorado State University.
A randomized complete block design
with four replications is used for each of the five alfalfa variety
trials conducted in Colorado in 1998. Information on date
of planting, fertilization and herbicide or insecticide applications
made during the cropping year is provided at the bottom of each
table of trial results. Hay yields are calculated on an
air-dry basis. The least significant difference (LSD) and
coefficient of variation (CV) are reported by cutting and for
the total annual yield. |
