Abstract
Dry forage production of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) cultivars with overhead irrigation was determined by cutting every 30 to 35 days for 3 years (1983-85) at the Fortuna Agricultural Research and Development Center. Florida 66 and 77, and a mixture of these two cultivars, produced highest yields with mean annual dry forage (DF) of 25.38, 28.86 and 26.96 ton/ha, respectively. Raidor and ARC were the least productive cultivars, with means of 15.40 and 16.27 ton DF/ha, respectively. Forage production per cutting was inversely related to rainfall, highest yields were obtained with irrigation during the dry season. Mean crude protein, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium contents for all cuttings were 20.2, 0.40, 4.54, 1.39 and 0.38%, respectively. Results confirm that it is feasible to grow alfalfa for hay on well drained Cumulic Haplustolls in the southern coast with well adapted cultivars and proper agronomic practices.