After 10 years of research, the research team led by Associate Professor Li Jin-hua of Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LIHPS), CAAS, successfully introduced a new variety of Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) named as “Zhonglan No.2”. The new variety is characterized by drought tolerance, high yield, less precipitation and high regeneration rate.

“Zhonglan No.2” has proved high yield under dry farming condition in Gansu, that is, average fresh yield showed to reach 46 117.78 kg/hm2, which is 11%~28% higher than the ordinary varieties. The research showed that the average dry yield of “Zhonglan No. 2” is 15% more than ordinary varieties and 10% over the exotic varieties. It has nutrient content of dry matter, crude protein, nitrogen free extract, crude fiber, total calcium and potassium of 90.6%, 17.62%, 33.77%, 55.56%, 1.78% and 0.02 respectively.

“Zhonglan No.2” is important as it can improve industrialization development of alfalfa in dry and water scarcity in western part of China, specifically in the semi-arid and semi-humid regions of Gansu and similar areas in Loess Plateau where is famous for livestock feed/forages. It can be harvested twice or three times in the semi-arid areas, and 3 to 4 times in the semi-humid areas within two years. It is important to mention that it can be grown in area where annual rainfall is greater than 320mm.