Effects of Two Mechanical Harvest Modes on Alfalfa Yield and Quality

【Objective】 To study the effects of different mechanical harvest patterns on the yield and quality of alfalfa.【Method】Two kinds of mechanical harvesting models, CLAAS series machinery and New Holland series machinery were studied and field experiments were conducted to verify the effects of two mechanical models on alfalfa yield and nutritional quality.【Result】The yield and density of hay harvested by New Holland series machinery was significantly higher than those of the hay harvested by CLAAS series machinery (P<0.05), while the moisture content of straw bundles was significantly lower than that of the hay harvested by CLAAS series machinery. The nutrient loss of alfalfa was not different in cutting stage. The nutrient loss of clover was higher than that of New Holland (P<0.05) and RFV was also lower than that of New Holland after mechanical operation.【Conclusion】The comprehensive comparison of the two mechanical harvesting models showed that the alfalfa hay had less nutrient loss and better quality when New Holland series mechanical harvesting model was used.