Naslov (eng)

Alfalfa as a Biological Nitrogen Source and Biofertilizer Component in Sustainable Horticultural Production Systems

Autor

Filipović, Vladimir
Saljnikov, Elmira
Dimitrijević, Snežana
Šarčević-Todosijević, Ljubica
Popović, Vera
Miletić, Aleksandar
Golijan Pantović, Jelena
Stanojković-Sebić, Aleksandra
Ugrenović, Vladan

Opis (eng)

Abstract: Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is widely recognized as a major forage crop, yet its role as a multifunctional biological input in sustainable horticultural production remains underexplored. This review evaluates alfalfa as a biological nitrogen source, organic fertilization resource, and biofertilizer-supporting crop within vegetable, medicinal, and perennial horticultural systems. Due to its high capacity for biological nitrogen fixation, alfalfa can supply substantial amounts of plant-available nitrogen, reducing dependency on synthetic fertilizers and supporting environmentally sound nutrient management. When used as green manure, cover crop, intercrop, mulch source, compost feedstock, or processed organic fertilizer, alfalfa enhances the soil organic carbon (SOC), improves soil structure, and increases the water-holding capacity properties particularly critical in intensive horticultural production. Higher SOC levels also contribute to the improved tolerance of horticultural crops to drought and heat stress through enhanced soil moisture retention and rhizosphere buffering. Alfalfa-based organic inputs stimulate rhizosphere microbial biomass, enzymatic activity, and functional genes associated with nitrogen cycling, strengthening plant–microbe interactions that underpin biofertilizer effectiveness. Evidence from vegetable and perennial systems indicates that alfalfaderived amendments and rotations increase soil nitrogen availability, support yield stability, and improve soil health over the long-term. In orchards and vineyards, alfalfa cover cropping contributes to carbon sequestration, erosion control, and enhanced soil biological functioning. Overall, alfalfa emerges as a strategic species for integrating organic fertilization and biofertilizer-based approaches into modern horticultural systems, supporting reduced mineral fertilizer inputs while sustaining productivity, soil health, and environmental quality.

Jezik

engleski

Datum

2026

Licenca

© All rights reserved

Predmet

alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.); organic fertilization; biofertilizers; biological nitrogen fixation; green manure; soil organic carbon; soil health; nutrient cycling; sustainable horticulture; cover cropping; climate-resilient horticulture

Deo kolekcije (1)

o:508

Institut za zemljište