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Abstract
Interseeding high-quality legumes, like alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), into existing bermudagrass (Cynadon dactylon L. Pers.) may serve as a step towards improving forage, animal, and ecosystem sustainability in the Southeastern U.S. The objective of this research is to evaluate the effect of harvest height and frequency on alfalfa interseeded into bermudagrass to develop preliminary grazing management recommendations for the Southeast. In 2018, thirty-six alfalfa-bermudagrass plots were established at multiple locations across Alabama and Georgia. Alfalfa varieties utilized were selected for suitability to location and were either ‘Bulldog 505’ or ‘Bulldog 805’ interseeded into existing hybrid bermudagrass sods. Treatments included combinations of harvest frequency (2, 4, or 6 weeks) and harvest height (5, 10, 15 cm) and plots were evaluated to determine the optimum interval in relation to sward herbage accumulation, alfalfa persistence characteristics, stand density, botanical composition, nutritive value, and change over time.