Evaluation of some Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) varieties under the drip irrigation system at North Sinai governorate, Egypt

This study was carried out at a special Farm, Ber El-Abd, North Sinai Governorate during the period from 2020 to 2021 year to investigate the impact of drip irrigation on performance of some Alfalfa varieties (Giza-1, Ismailia-1, Ramah-1, Siwa-1, Si-River and WL-528) as well as on their growth criteria. Chemical analysis and yield attributes of Alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six replications. The results showed that, Ramah-1 and Ismailia-1 varieties obtained superiority (P≤0.05) for plant height with mean among all varieties (76.73 and 76.68 cm, respectively). However, the WL-528 variety produced the lowest mean value across all cuts (51.83 cm). Ramah-1, Ismailia-1 and Siwa-1 varieties achieved significant in fresh weight (4.88, 4.80 and 4.62 kg m -2 , respectively). However, the WL-528 variety produced (2.70 kg m -2 ) the lowest mean value across all cuts tested. Ramah-1, Ismailia-1 and Siwa-1 varieties achieved significant in dry weight (1.98, 1.96 and 4.62 kg m -2 , respectively). But WL-528 variety gave the lowest mean value in all cuts it was (0.67 kg m -2 ). Throughout the growth stages, the Ramah-1 variety achieved significant crude protein content in all cuts. However, WL-528 variety gave the lowest value on crude protein content (16.23%). Moreover, Ramah-1 variety had the highest crude protein content (24.82 %) at means over all cuts. During the growth stage, the crude fiber content of the Ismailia-1 variety was significant (22.76%). However, the Ramah-1 variety provided the lowest value in cuts. Furthermore, Ramah-1 had the lowest crude fiber content (14.92%). Finally, results concluded that planted Ramah-1 variety gave the highest quality and forage production in new reclamation lands under a drip irrigation system.