THE EFFECT OF LUCERNE SEED INOCULATION ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF TWO DIFFERENT VARIETIES

Seed inoculation belongs among factors improving lucerne N2 fixation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of seed inoculation on forage yield and nutrient concentration in respect to different types of lucerne varieties. The field plot experiment with lucerne monoculture was conducted in rich-nutrient Luvisol in 2011–2012. There were two varieties (Jarka, Oslava) and three variants of seed inoculation (control without inoculation, Rizobin LF, Nitrazon + N) in completely randomized design with four replicates. Differences in mineral concentration between treatments were detected in roots, while no differences were observed in lucerne forage. Oslava variety bred for higher N2 fixation reached higher nodulation intensity, root N concentration, and uptake. This variety also increased yield and root N uptake where seed inoculation was used, mainly by Nitrazon. The cv. Jarka did not provide constant positive reaction on seed inoculation in all evaluated traits with slightly better response to Rizobin inoculation. In the field condition, it seems that seed inoculation does not need to have a general positive effect on lucerne yield and quality under rich-nutrient soil. However, our results support the idea that specific interaction between seed inoculants and lucerne variety could have a potential for improving forage yield.