SW New Mexico News

New Mexico State University (NMSU) researchers are making strides in alfalfa research, focusing on developing drought-resilient varieties. At the Leyendecker Plant Science Research Center, two fields of alfalfa present a stark contrast: one lush and well-watered, the other dry and withering. This difference is part of a study led by Ian Ray, an emeritus professor of agronomy at NMSU.

"The fields are growing the same alfalfa but look completely different," Ray explained. The research involves testing various alfalfa strains under both well-watered and water-deficit conditions. One field received regular watering and was harvested seven times from March to November, while the other was irrigated only until June and harvested three times during spring.

Ray highlighted that "our research shows that many of our new varieties can survive eight months without regular watering and still produce economical yields the following year once they are irrigated again." This finding suggests that growers could apply their full water allotment in spring to maximize yield and potentially terminate irrigation for the rest of the season without harming the crop.

The team plans to release three drought-tolerant varieties over the next year, which could significantly impact the $12 billion alfalfa industry amid diminishing water resources in parts of the U.S. Alfalfa is crucial for feeding livestock and supporting related industries.

In New Mexico, alfalfa often ranks as a top cash crop alongside pecans. In 2023, production spanned 145,000 acres, generating over $238 million in gross returns. NMSU has been at the forefront of drought-tolerance research since the 1940s. Ray's work began in 1994 when he joined NMSU to lead its forage breeding program.

Ray's team identified DNA markers associated with drought tolerance to develop high-yielding resilient varieties like 'NuMex 501', 'NuMex 801', and 'NuMex 802'. These were tested across New Mexico through NMSU’s variety testing program managed by Leonard Lauriault at Tucumcari.

Lauriault stated, "We’re one of the few remaining non-commercial entities conducting testing in the country to provide unbiased information about commercial varieties to alfalfa growers."

Mark Marsalis from Los Lunas emphasized alfalfa's environmental benefits despite its reputation for high water use. He noted that it sequesters carbon, reduces erosion, provides nitrogen credits, and supports pollinators.

"Even under drought conditions," Marsalis said, "alfalfa can survive, persist and be productive in so many ways."

NMSU will continue evaluating these fields for two more years to assess long-term impacts on yield due to early irrigation termination management.

For more stories like this one, visit https://nmsu.news/aces-magazine-fall-2024.