Abstract:
The main objective of this study was to study the performance
of alfalfa under water stress conditions and determine water use efficiency
(WUE) for optimal forage production under the arid climatic conditions
of Al-Ahsa having limited irrigation water supplies. Plant growth parameters
of alfalfa were significantly affected by different irrigation treatments.
Mean alfalfa dry forage (hay) yield ranged between 2.21-5.33 MG ha-1
in different irrigation treatments. The WUE was higher in T1
(irrigation at field capacity soil moisture level) than other water stress
treatments. It was noticed that alfalfa dry forage yield was severely
affected by irrigation stress. In conclusion, the WUE of alfalfa crop
was highest in T1 (irrigation at field capacity level of soil
moisture) than other irrigation treatments. The study provided an excellent
opportunity for scheduling irrigation of alfalfa crop for optimal dry-forage
production under arid climatic conditions of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
Mushari A. Al-Naeem , 2008. Influence of Water Stress on Water Use Efficiency and Dry-Hay Production of Alfalfa in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Soil Science, 3: 119-126.
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