A second generation of pasture legumes: an opportunity foR improving the biodiversity in farming systems of Mediterranean basin?

A screening of second generation pasture legumes was carried out through three experiments in different pedoclimatic regions of Sardinia (Italy). The main objective was to evaluate the adaptation and persistence of most new species and varieties selected in Australia. The response was quite different in relation to the site specific environmental characteristics. Some varieties shown difficulties of establishment and persistence and lower or similar forage productions compared to subterranean clovers, especially in the sites with higher edaphic and climatic limitations. For some accessions this was confirmed even with a satisfactory self-reseeding capability. The results give some indications about the potentiality of some second generation legumes for Sardinian farming systems and indicate that it may be possible to rely just on a restricted number of new varieties, accurately chosen site by site in regard of specific pedo-climatic conditions, if the main aim is the pasture improvement.