Effects of intercropping poplar-alfalfa on growth and quality of alfalfa in forest-grass compound system
[Objective]This experiment explored the influence of poplar-alfalfa intercropping on the growth,development and quality of alfalfa,so as to provide theoretical and technical basis for the sustainable development of forest and grass composite model in Xinjiang.[Methods]The experiment from 2018 to 2019,during the early April to September of every 15 days to sampling of alfalfa,determination of alfalfa agronomic traits(plant height,leaf area index,stem/leaf ratio,stem diameter,growth rate)and quality(crude protein,crude fat,forage quality),and the sole,intercropping alfalfa microclimate monitoring field(air temperature,air humidity and dew point temperature,wind speed)monitoring.[Results]The results showed that inter-cropped alfalfa was significantly lower than sole-cropped alfalfa in agronomic traits,and the total yield of in-tercropped alfalfa was 55.27%lower than that of sole-cropped alfalfa.The dew point temperature and wind speed of alfalfa monoculture were 70.68%and 93.83%higher than that of intercropping,but the air humidity of sole-cropped alfalfa was 13.49%lower than that of intercropped alfalfa,and there was no significant difference in air temperature.The crude protein,crude fat and forage quality of intercropping alfalfa were 17.78%,12.33%and 17.26%higher than that of sole-cropped alfalfa.[Conclusion]The development of intercropping between forest and grass can improve the microclimate of farmland.