Lusern, also known as lucerne or alfalfa, is a perennial flowering legume plant that belongs to the pea family. It is widely cultivated as a nutritious forage crop for livestock such as cattle, horses, and goats. The scientific name of lusern is Medicago sativa.
Lusern is characterized by its erect growth with clusters of trifoliate leaves, consisting of three oval-shaped leaflets. The plant can reach a height of 1 to 1.5 meters and has a deep root system that allows it to access water from lower soil layers. It thrives in well-drained, fertile soils with a pH range between 6 and 7.5.
One of the main reasons for lusern's popularity as a forage crop is its high nutritional value. It is rich in protein, vitamins (such as vitamin A, C, and K), and minerals (such as calcium and potassium). Lusern also contains high levels of digestible fiber, making it easily consumed and digested by livestock.
Apart from its nutritional benefits, lusern is also known for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil through a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This makes it a valuable component in crop rotations, as it enriches the soil with nitrogen, contributing to the fertility and health of subsequent crops.
Overall, lusern is an important forage crop that provides valuable nutrition to livestock and improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.
