Effect of mobile aluminium concentration on alfalfa longevity in Retisol

The balance of soil nutrients and the concentrations of hydrogen and aluminum ions in Retisols have a critical influence on long-term alfalfa productivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of mobile aluminum in Retisol on alfalfa longevity and regenerative possibilities in spring. The best agrobiological potential of alfalfa accessions was at mobile aluminum concentration up to 25.0 mg kg–1. The critical limit of mobile aluminum concentration for alfalfa wintering was 50.0 mg kg–1. In the soil, with mobile aluminum concentrations higher than 50.0 mg kg–1, viable alfalfa persisted for up to 3 years, and at a concentration of 65.0–95.0 mg kg–1, alfalfa disappeared after the first winter. Maximum productivity (DM and seed yield) was reached at 0.0–25.0 mg kg–1 mobile aluminum concentration. Together with increasing mobile Al concentration in the soil, DM and seed yield reliably decreased (r–0.565*). Keywords: Medicago sativa; longevity; biological yield potential; general soil profile parameters; Retisols