Agricultural Engineering Research Journal 4 (2): 46-50, 2014 ISSN 2218-3906 © IDOSI Publications, 2014 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.aerj.2014.4.2.1123 Corresponding Author: Dr. Majid Rashidi, Ph.D., Department of Agricultural Machinery, Takestan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Takestan, Iran. 46 Effect of Seeding Rates on Seed Yield and Seed Yield Components of Alfalfa in the Arid Lands of Iran Behnam Zand, Saeed Mohammadi, Majid Rashidi, 1 1 2 Mohammad Rahmani and Ali Sahebi Kouzekanan 1 3 Tehran Province Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, 1 Varamin, Tehran, Iran Department of Agricultural Machinery, Takestan Branch, 2 Islamic Azad University, Takestan, Iran Department of Agronomy, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, 3 Roudehen, Tehran, Iran Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at the Research Site of Tehran Province, Iran to study the effect of different seeding rates on seed yield and seed yield components of alfalfa during 2005-2008 growing seasons. Seeding rate treatments were 2.5 kg ha (SR ), 5.0 kg ha (SR ), 7.5 kg ha (SR ), 10.0 kg ha (SR ) and 12.5 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 4 kg ha (SR ). Seed yield and seed yield components, i.e. number of pods per unit area, number seeds per pod 1 5 and 1000-seed mass were determined for all treatments. The statistical results of the study indicated that seeding rate significantly (P = 0.01) affected seed yield and number of pods per unit area, but there was no significant difference in number seeds per pod and 1000-seed mass. The maximum value of seed yield (805.0 kg ha ) and number of pods per unit area (6610) was obtained in case of SR treatment. On the other hand, the 1 1 minimum value of seed yield (605.7 kg ha ) and number of pods per unit area (4620) was observed in case of 1 SR treatment. Therefore, 2.5 kg ha was found to be more appropriate seeding rate in improving seed yield 5 1 of alfalfa in the arid lands of Iran. Key words: Alfalfa Seeding rate Seed yield Arid lands Iran INTRODUCTION beneficial microorganisms [4]. Because of its perennial Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is an ancient crop. Charred combined with annual harvest during the growing seeds has been found in archeological sites in Iran period provides excellent weed control [5]. Alfalfa’s dating back 8000 years and charred from small seeded pesticide requirements are much lower than for other legumes and grasses collected by people 12000 years ago crops (often none). Alfalfa’s residual benefit to in present day Syria has also been unearthed. It is succeeding crops has been shown to range from 5 to 13 speculated that alfalfa was used as forage crop and its percent probably from disease suppression and fixed seed was eaten by humans [1]. Additionally, alfalfa is a nitrogen [6]. Moreover, wildlife enhancement goes nutrient rich forage crop that is productive and beneficial hand in hand with alfalfa production. It provides agronomically and environmentally in the world [2]. direct feed for deer, upland birds and rodents. It also Alfalfa improves and protects the soil as a result of its provides protective habitat for these wildlife and as a robust and perennial root system, fast growing protective consequence, it provides hunting opportunity for canopy and ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen [3]. Its predators. Alfalfa also provides feed and habitat to honey deep and extensive root system reduces erosion by bees and other beneficial insects as well as insects that holding soil together, improves water infiltration and provide feed for birds, reptiles, bats and other small contributes to a rhizosphere conducive to growth of mammals [7]. nature, annual tillage is reduced. Its vigorous growth