Location: Plant Science Research
Project Number: 5062-21500-001-021-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2024
End Date: Aug 31, 2027
Objective:
Objective 1: Characterize alfalfa plant introductions from northern areas and winter hardy cultivars for winter hardiness, root architecture, and nitrogen fixation capacity in northern climates.
Objective 2: Understand the biotic and abiotic factors involved in alfalfa persistence and growth in US northern climates.
Objective 3: Quantify the ecosystem services associated with an increase in alfalfa acreage in the target regions (Alaska and northern North Dakota and Minnesota).
Objective 4: Assess the sustainability and environmental impact of the integration of alfalfa into the current crop rotations at each target area and through outreach provide recommendations to producers on alfalfa varieties and management adapted to that region.
Approach:
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) accessions, named cultivars and landraces from the USDA-ARS National Plant Germplasm System, were identified with high winter survival scores, upright growth habit, disease resistance, and acid soil tolerance. Seed from each accession will be increased in the greenhouse to obtain seed for field studies. Plant from each accession will be genotyped with the 3K DaRTag SNP panel. Approximately 20 accession will be planted in 10-foot rows with 3-4 replications in Palmer and Fairbanks, AK, Minot, ND, Grand Rapids, MN and Columbia, MO. In the same locations, commercial cultivars with high winter survival scores and branch rooted cultivars will be planted in plots. Forage yield, quality, and persistence will be measured. Plants will scored for root architecture and crown damage. The response to inoculation (nitrogen fixation, nodulation) across different nitrogen levels and temperature levels will be tested (looking for nitrogen/cold tolerant symbiosis). 15N abundance in above ground biomass and roots will be measured. General soil health indicators (erosion prevention, structure, labile nutrients, microbial activity). Results will be communicated through field days, extension publications or other media.
