Comparison of Winter Hardiness and Fall Dormancy in Alfalfa.

Research has been conducted on fall dormancy and winter hardiness rates for alfalfa in Rexburg, ID. We looked at what trials and genetics have taken place to improve the quality of alfalfa and produce a higher yield. These trials were conducted to find the benefits of having a higher fall dormancy rate and a lower winter hardiness rate would do for quality and yield purposes. Higher fall dormancy ratings will continue to produce alfalfa instead of preparing for the cold winter. Winter hardiness is the physiology of alfalfa which allows it to withstand cold winter temperatures. What used to be a fall dormancy rating of three was about all that this area would allow to survive. However, with the addition of winter hardiness, it has been somewhat determined that you can go to a fall dormancy of five with a winter hardiness of two.