ALFALFA

Investigating Salinity Effects on Alfalfa Yield

In the arid region of Springs Valley, eastern Israel, high salinity levels pose significant challenges to crop productivity. To address this issue, Salicrop conducted a comprehensive field trial across three Alfalfa plots irrigated with high-salinity water from the Jordan River (1,200-1,700 mg chlorine) and southern Gilboa springs (600-1,200 mg chlorine).

The study began with the Hoveri plot in fall 2021, testing two distinct seed enhancement treatments (T1 and T4) across 2 ha. Encouraged by promising first-season results, research expanded to include two additional plots in the subsequent season, covering approximately 19 ha. Data collection involved counting alfalfa bales in both treated and control areas using manual counting, harvesting machines, and drone photography.

Hoveri Plot: Setup and Monitoring
Plot Establishment

Hoveri plot was sown on October 20, 2021 near Kibbutz Maoz Haim.

Enhanced area: 2 ha with T1 and T4 Salicrop enhancements.

Control area: 8 ha.

This setup evaluated enhancement effects under high salinity irrigation.

Hoveri Plot: NDVI Monitoring

RAPID RECOVERY

The accelerated biomass accumulation in treated areas demonstrates the remarkable ability of Salicrop-treated alfalfa to bounce back quickly between harvests.

NDVI Tracking

NDVI monitoring assessed vegetation health. June 29, 2022 images showed T1 enhancement with stronger green coloration. This indicated better growth compared to other areas. NDVI measures the difference between near-infrared and red light reflection.

Hoveri Plot: First Season Performance

The Hoveri plot harvest was a resounding success! By carefully baling the alfalfa into compact 18 kg bundles, we uncovered some truly remarkable findings.

T1 Enhancement Shines

The T1 enhancement area outperformed the control by an impressive 32% average yield increase across all harvests - a game-changing advantage!

T4 Impresses Too

The T4 enhancement also exhibited a notable 16% higher yield than the control, showcasing the incredible resilience of Salicrop-treated alfalfa.

These findings translate to significant economic benefits, with the T1 enhancement generating an additional $1,374 per hectare compared to the control in the first season alone. A truly remarkable result!

Hoveri Plot: Second Season Results

First Season

T1 treatment showed 32% yield increase over control

T4 treatment showed 16% yield increase over control

Economic Impact

Significant increase in farmer income per hectare

Sustainable improvement in productivity under saline conditions

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2

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Second Season

Average yield increase of 24% in treated areas

Continued strong performance demonstrates treatment durability

The second growing season at the Hoveri plot continued to demonstrate the effectiveness of Salicrop treatments. Due to technical reasons, only two harvests were measured during this season, but they showed a consistent pattern of improved yield in the treated areas compared to the control, with an average yield increase of 24%.

This sustained performance across multiple growing seasons highlights the durability of the Salicrop seed enhancement treatments and their ability to provide long-term benefits for alfalfa cultivation in high-salinity environments. The consistent results reinforce the potential of this technology as a viable solution for farmers facing salinity challenges.

Mahmula Plot: Expanded Testing

The Mahmula plot, sown on October 30th, 2022, marked a significant expansion of our groundbreaking research. Spanning an impressive 13.14 hectares of treated area and 14.44 hectares of untreated control, this site promised to deliver crucial insights.

Despite the challenging growing conditions, with soil salinity testing on September 1st, 2023 revealing an electrical conductivity of 12.1 dS/m at 30 cm depth, the treated areas consistently outperformed the control. In fact, the average yield increase across all harvests exceeded a remarkable 18%!

NDVI imaging of the Mahmula plot on March 16, 2023 revealed clear differences between treated and control areas under high salinity stress. The northern treated section displayed dark green coloration, indicating robust vegetative growth and highlighting Salicrop's positive impact on crop health. In contrast, the southern control area showed lighter green coloration, suggesting reduced growth and productivity. These results align with observations from the Hoveri plot, confirming Salicrop treatments' consistent effectiveness in enhancing crop resilience in saline conditions.

Analysis based on 450 kg bales with crop value of ₪1,300 per ton. The 2025 figures represent preliminary data, with additional harvests expected to increase both yield and economic returns.

Mahluma Plot – Year-on-Year Impact

The Mahluma plot demonstrates consistent yield improvements with Salicrop treatment across multiple growing seasons:

+18.6%

Yield Increase (2023)

First full season

+8.0%

Yield Increase (2024)

Second season

+9.7%

Yield Increase (2025)

Current season (first two harvests)

These yield improvements translate to significant economic benefits for farmers:

₪28,780

Added Income (2023)

Complete season

₪14,528

Added Income (2024)

Complete season

₪4,319

Added Income (2025)

Season in progress

Economic Impact Analysis

The Mahluma plot demonstrates consistent yield improvements with Salicrop treatment across multiple growing seasons:

Increased Yield

Enhanced areas showed 11-32% higher yields across all plots, with the T1 enhancement in the Hoveri plot demonstrating the most significant improvement.

Enhanced Profitability

In the Mahmula plot, the average additional profit per hectare per harvest was $101.5, translating to approximately $812 per hectare per season (assuming 8 harvests).

Sustained Performance

Second-season data from the Hoveri plot showed continued yield advantages, indicating long-term economic benefits of the enhancement.

Broader Applications

Results suggest potential economic benefits for farmers in other salinity-affected regions worldwide, offering a solution for sustainable agriculture in challenging conditions.

The economic analysis of all 2 plots demonstrates the significant financial benefits of implementing Salicrop enhancements in salinity-affected alfalfa cultivation. The consistent yield increases translate directly to higher farmer income, with additional profits ranging from $237 to over $1,300 per hectare per season depending on the plot and enhancement type.

Future Implications

Sustainable Agriculture & ESG

Enabling productive farming while supporting environmental goals.

Enhanced Crop Resilience

Improved recovery between harvests and stress tolerance.

Carbon Fixation & Salinity Tolerance

11-32% yield increases with improved carbon sequestration.

Salicrop's seed enhancement consistently demonstrated the ability to boost alfalfa biomass and yields under abiotic stress, supporting critical ESG objectives. NDVI imaging at the Mahmula plot mirrored results from Hoveri, showing vibrant growth in the treated area versus the struggling control.

These findings underscore Salicrop's potential as a viable solution for enhancing alfalfa cultivation in salinity-affected regions. The increased biomass also enhances carbon fixation, with alfalfa's deep roots serving as effective sinks. Continued monitoring will provide insights into long-term effects, including quantified carbon sequestration benefits.

Salicrop presents novel prospects for sustainable and efficient alfalfa production, helping farmers meet ESG standards and build resilience in the face of abiotic stress.