The alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is an erect-growing perennial legume belonging to the Fabaceae family. Native to Asia Minor and the South Caucasus, today it is one of the main forage crops in temperate countries..
Little branched perennial plant that reaches 100 cm in height, trifoliate leaves with obovate leaflets, slightly serrated apex and toothed stipules at the base. Violet, purple and yellow zygomorphic flowers, the fruit is a legume with yellow kidney-shaped seeds.
Like most legumes, its roots maintain a symbiotic relationship with certain microorganisms in the soil, such as bacteria. Sinorhizobium meliloti. This association favors the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, increasing the nitrogen in the soil and its availability in the crop that is used as forage..
The various varieties of alfalfa grown commercially constitute one of the most important legumes as forage for livestock. By containing a high level of proteins and minerals, they favor its palatability and digestibility for a large number of animal species.
On the other hand, the diversity and quality of its nutrients makes it a nutritional supplement for human consumption. Its regular intake allows to alleviate disorders related to malnutrition, asthenia, anemia, weakness and other nutritional ailments.
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The species Medicago sativa It is native to Asia Minor and the South Caucasus, in present-day Iraq, Iran, Syria, Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Since the Bronze Age there is a reference to a plant of high nutritional value that was consumed by horses from Central Asia.
During the Medical Wars, in the middle of 490 a. C., was introduced in Greece through the food provided to the cavalry from Persia. The seed from this forage served to establish the first crops in the Mediterranean basin, destined mainly for animal consumption.
Later it went to the Iberian Peninsula from where it was distributed throughout Europe, and from there to America in the middle of the 16th century. At present, it is a cosmopolitan crop, in addition its sprouts are a highly appreciated food for human consumption for its nutritional and therapeutic properties.
Herbaceous plant of evergreen condition and upright or slightly decumbent position, branched, usually lives 4 to 12 years. The adult plant can reach a variable height of 40-100 cm and are characterized by the variable hairiness of their surface.
Main root of the pivoting or fusiform type of vertical and deep growth, covered by numerous secondary roots that sprout laterally. In alfalfa, the root is vigorous, long and deep, which allows it to absorb the nutritive elements located more than 5 m deep..
Herbaceous and erect stem of ascending growth, usually covered with whitish hairs, at the base there is a sublenose and perennial crown. This crown, approximately 20 cm in diameter, has numerous buds or shoot shoots that are located below ground level..
The pinnate and trifoliate leaves have obovate, oblong or oblanceolate leaflets, 5-20 mm long by 3-10 mm wide. Leaflets whole green, finely serrated at the apex, appressed pubescence, long and ribbed petiole, with triangular stipules welded to the base.
Zygomorphic flowers with differentiated calyx and corolla, 6-12 mm diameter violet and yellow corolla, green campanulate pentameric calyx. The flowers are arranged in inflorescences or peduncular racemes in axillary position, with the peduncle longer than the petioles of the adjacent leaves..
The fruit is a legume or falcada or spiral pod, curled on itself, delayed indehiscent, brown to blackish when ripe. In its interior the seeds are located in variable numbers (2-6), reniform, 2-3 mm long and with a yellowish seminal cover..
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Subclass: Rosidae
- Order: Fabales
- Family: Fabaceae
- Subfamily: Faboideae
- Tribe: Trifolieae
- Gender: Medicago
- Species: Medicago sativa L., 1753
- Medicago sativa subsp. ambiguous (Trautv.) Tutin
- Medicago sativa subsp. microcarpa Urban
- M. sativa subsp. sativa L.
- M. sativa subsp. it varies (J. Martyn) Arcang.
- Medicago: the generic name is a Latin word that comes from the Greek terms "μηδική" pronounced "medicé" and "πόα" pronounced "póa". "mediké" means "medical" in allusion to the Medes, ancient Persian people, and "póa" means "grass", which is translated as "Persian grass". These expressions were Latinized as "medicago".
- sativa: the specific adjective derives from the Latin "sativus, -a, -um" which translates into "sativo", that is, what is sown, planted or cultivated.
The species Medicago sativa It is widely cultivated around the world, in the wild, it is located along roads or roadsides. In the same way, it has naturalized in savannas and grasslands on dry soils in cold or temperate climates..
It is commercially cultivated in a wide variety of soils and climates at altitude levels between 700 and 2,800 meters above sea level. It grows on loamy, deep and well-drained soils, of moderate salinity or alkaline, since a pH lower than 5.00 drastically limits its development..
It develops in environments with an average temperature between 15-25 ºC during the day, and night temperatures of 10-20 ºC. It is resistant to drought, thanks to its extensive root system that draws water from the deeper layers.
However, it is susceptible to waterlogging which causes root rot and alters the symbiosis with the Sinorhizobium meliloti specific. In fact, its symbiotic activity is also restricted with the soil pH, values lower than 5-6 demand the application of agricultural amendments..
Cultivated worldwide, the subspecies is common in the Mediterranean basin Medicago sativa subsp. sativa and north of Eurasia Medicago sativa subsp. falcata. In the Iberian Peninsula its cultivation is carried out in large areas of the Ebro valley to the northeast and the Duero valley to the northwest.
The commercial reproduction of alfalfa is carried out by means of seeds, it is a fast germination and implantation crop. In case of irrigation, it is established as a monophyte crop, in rainfed conditions it is customary to associate with another grass such as oats, barley or cut grasses.
For one hectare of sowing, 20-25 kg of seed are required. During the establishment it is required that the land is tilled and mowed, in order to avoid the appearance of weeds during the growth phase.
Sowing is usually established during the fall, while in regions with strong winters, sowing can be done during the spring. The productive life of this species varies from 6-8 years, depending on environmental conditions, variety of the species, crop health and agronomic management..
Sowing takes place between March and May, in order for the plant to develop at least three trifoliate leaves before the first frosts. The cool temperature and humidity of the soil during the autumn, favors the nodulation of the nascent root system, guaranteeing the supply of nitrogen during the spring.
A tilled soil is required to provide a stable seedbed with good moisture availability. Sowing is carried out broadcast, but if the conditions of the terrain allow it, planting lines can be drawn to facilitate agronomic management. In case of associated cultivation, it is recommended to alternate one line of grass with two lines of alfalfa.
Soil conditions are essential for the proper development of alfalfa, since it is tolerant to drought, but susceptible to waterlogging. The waterlogging of the soil tends to reduce the availability of oxygen in the roots, which causes a rapid deterioration and subsequent death of the plant.
The root system, vigorous and extensive, requires deep and well-drained soils, the superficial phreatic levels hinder its effective development. Although it grows on sandy loam soils, it thrives well on fine and humid soils, although with less intensity..
Alfalfa is a forage plant that supplies excellent levels of quality protein, minerals and vitamins. Its high energy value is related to the nitrogen value as a food supplement or forage.
Of the great variety of components present, the alkaloids betaine and stachidrine, non-soluble fibers and pectin, proteins, saponins and tannins stand out. The amino acids arginine, asparagine, and tryptophan, as well as the minerals aluminum, boron, calcium, chromium, cobalt, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, selenium, silicon, sodium, and zinc.
Similarly, caffeic, citric, fumaric, malic, medicagenic, synaptic, succinic and oxalic acids, and the phytosterols β-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol. Apart from pigments such as chlorophyll and xanthophyll, folates, inositol, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin A, C, E, K and D in traces, which influence animal nutrition.
- Energy: 20-25 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2.0-2.5 g
- Dietary fiber: 1.8-2.0 g
- Fat: 0.5-0.8 g
- Proteins: 4 g
- Thiamine (vitamin B1): 0.076 mg
- Riboflavin (vitamin Btwo): 0.126 mg
- Niacin (vitamin B3): 0.481 mg
- Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5): 0.563 mg
- Pyridoxine (vitamin B6): 0.034 mg
- Vitamin C: 8.2 mg
- Vitamin K: 30.5 μg
- Calcium: 32 mg
- Phosphorus: 70 mg
- Iron: 0.96 mg
- Magnesium: 27 mg
- Manganese: 0.188 mg
- Potassium: 79 mg
- Sodium: 6 mg
- Zinc: 0.92 mg
Alfalfa is grown as fodder, which is why it is considered a food supplement of high nutritional value for cattle and horses. Its consumption in human food is occasional, however, it is a product rich in minerals, vitamins, proteins and fibers that provide great health benefits.
Photochemical analysis has made it possible to determine the presence of essential vitamins of group A, D, E and K, including the entire family of group B. In fact, each vitamin provides a particular benefit, hence its importance for general health.
Vitamin A favors the formation of epithelial cells, the protection of the skin and the strength of the bone system. For its part, vitamin D regulates calcium in the bones, protecting against rickets. Vitamin E has antioxidant principles, being an essential element for the production of hemoglobin.
In herbology, the leaves, seeds and shoots of this species are used for their medicinal and therapeutic properties. Indeed, alfalfa is commonly used for its alkalizing, anti-arthritic, anti-bacterial, anti-cholestaemic, anti-spasmodic, anti-diabetic, anti-haemorrhagic, anti-pyretic, anti-rheumatic, aperitive and anti-viral properties..
Its consumption is indicated for the treatment of kidney diseases, bladder infections, inflammation of the prostate or to increase diuresis. In the same way, it is consumed to regulate cholesterol and diabetes levels, control asthma, stomach discomfort and rheumatic discomfort such as arthritis and osteoarthritis..
Sprouts are typically eaten fresh as a source of vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as the mineral elements calcium, phosphorous, iron, and potassium. In addition, it is attributed antianemic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, digestive, galactogenic, emmenagogue, hemostatic, lipid-lowering, vitamin, restorative and remineralizing properties..
This plant acts as a powerful diuretic, which together with its anti-inflammatory effect makes it an effective resource for treating urinary conditions. In this case it is recommended to relieve cystitis or bladder disorders, nephritis or inflammation of the kidney, prostatitis or inflammation of the prostate duct and prevent the presence of kidney stones..
Similarly, it acts as a powerful cleanser and detoxifier. Indeed, its high content of coumarin has shown its effect on the restructuring of the skin, being ideal for preventing acne, eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.
As an animal feed supplement, it is a legume that is distinguished by its high nutritional value and high productive capacity. Its high nitrogen content, due to the capacity of symbiosis with the Rhizobium from the ground, it results in a species highly desired by livestock.
The cultivation of alfalfa allows to increase the animal load, improve the weight gain of the animal and the milk production yield. In addition, it constitutes a safe source of high quality forage, harvested and stored as a forage reserve, maintaining its nutritional quality.
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