Assessing the effect of lucerne utilization systems in the Pannonian region of Austria

Conservation of water using mulches is a viable option under semiarid conditions for enhancing water use efficiency. Effect of mulches varies among years and with the amount and timing of mulching. Lucerne is a key crop for organic farming systems under semiarid conditions in Austria. Effect of mulching with lucerne has not been thoroughly investigated. Field experiments were conducted to assess the effect of lucerne utilization system (nonmulch versus mulch) on its shoot and root dry matter yield, biological nitrogen fixation and water use efficiency. Experiments were laid out in randomized complete block design with four replicates at the experimental farm of University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria, during 2007–2008. Mulching was effective in lowering soil temperature by 1–6°C in the top 5 cm of soil. Utilization systems did not significantly affect the other studied parameters (P