What is Lucerne Hedge ?
Lucerne Hedge is a perennial forage legume used in pasture and livestock systems, particularly valued for its protein content in warm climates.
What is the scientific name of Lucerne Hedge ?
The scientific name of Lucerne Hedge is Desmanthus virgatus.
Is Lucerne Hedge perennial or annual?
Lucerne Hedge is a perennial species.
Is Lucerne Hedge suitable for Pakistan?
Yes — Lucerne Hedge is suited to Pakistan's drier and, where relevant, saline growing conditions. See the regional suitability table on this page for specifics.
Which areas of Pakistan are suitable for Lucerne Hedge ?
Lucerne Hedge is rated Suitable for: Punjab, Sindh. Other zones may be Conditional or Not Recommended — see the full regional suitability table on this page.
Can Lucerne Hedge grow in sandy soil?
Based on its soil profile (Wide-ranging, including saline and low-fertility soils), check the soil notes above for sandy-soil suitability.
Can Lucerne Hedge grow in saline soil?
Salinity tolerance is rated Moderate. It is not a first choice for genuinely saline ground — consider a higher-salinity-tolerance species instead.
What TDS/EC water can Lucerne Hedge tolerate?
Moderately salt-tolerant — handles some salinity better than most temperate legumes, though very high salinity or brackish irrigation will limit establishment.
How much water does Lucerne Hedge require?
Suited to roughly 400–800mm/year; deep-rooted and drought-tolerant once established, but frost-sensitive. Irrigation need is rated Low.
How many plants should I grow per acre?
Hedge-row: approx. 8,000–10,000 plants/acre at 0.5m within-row, 1m between rows. Broadcast/pasture mix: 4–6 kg seed/acre.
How much fodder can Lucerne Hedge produce per acre?
A well-established acre can support roughly 12–18 goats or sheep, or 4–5 buffalo/cattle, as part of a rotational grazing or cut-and-carry system. Figures are general estimates and vary with stand density and management.
What is the crude protein content of Lucerne Hedge ?
Widely cited as a high-protein forage legume, commonly in the 18–24% crude protein (DM) range in published trials — verify against your own feed test before quoting exact numbers.
Is Lucerne Hedge suitable for goats?
Yes.
Is Lucerne Hedge suitable for sheep?
Yes.
Is Lucerne Hedge suitable for cattle?
Yes.
Does Lucerne Hedge fix nitrogen?
Yes — it is a nitrogen-fixing species that can improve soil fertility over time.
How do you germinate Lucerne Hedge seeds?
Scarify seed, then direct-sow 1–2cm deep into prepared, weed-free beds or hedge rows in Spring or early Summer.
Does Lucerne Hedge need seed treatment?
Propagated from seed. Scarify (nick or lightly abrade the seed coat) or hot-water treat before sowing to improve germination rate.
How long does Lucerne Hedge take to establish?
Usable for light grazing/cutting within 6–9 months of sowing; full production from year 2. Persists for 5–10 years under good management.
How long does Lucerne Hedge live?
5–10 productive years
What is the best planting density for Lucerne Hedge ?
Hedge-row: approx. 8,000–10,000 plants/acre at 0.5m within-row, 1m between rows. Broadcast/pasture mix: 4–6 kg seed/acre.
Can Lucerne Hedge grow without irrigation?
Yes, once established — drought tolerance is rated High.
Is Lucerne Hedge drought tolerant?
Drought tolerance is rated High.
Is Lucerne Hedge frost tolerant?
Frost tolerance is rated Low.
What is Lucerne Hedge mainly used for?
Primarily: Fodder.
