Lucerne varieties for continuous grazing.

In recent years there has been a growing interest, particularly in organic farming, for grazing lucerne (Medigaco sativa), partly due to problems with white clover fatigue and partly to the wish for higher biodiversity. Therefore, three grazing-tolerant varieties were examined under relatively severe grazing with heifers in two cutting/grazing managements. Two new varieties, Verbena and Camporegio, and an older variety Luzelle were established in 2009 in pure stands and in two different mixtures with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). Camporegio had the lowest yield, the lowest competitive strength, the lowest plant density in spring, and the density was most reduced during grazing. The results could not confirm significant differences between the new and the older varieties. The results for Luzelle were generally between Verbena and Camporegio. The varieties did not differ in herbage quality either under grazing or cutting.