On basis of the comparison of above-ground biomass, underground biomass and water use efficiency, the adaptability of twelve introduced and local alfalfa cultivars in the hilly and gully regions of Weibei Plateau was studied by using cluster analysis. The results showed that there were distinctly differences among alfalfa cultivars in the above-ground biomass, underground biomass and WUE. The above-ground biomass of Giant and Siriver was significantly higher than that of other cultivars, while the underground biomass of WL-323ML, Cimmaron, Emperoer and Giant was significantly higher than that of other cultivars. As for WUE, Emperor, Giant and Siriver were relatively superior. The results of cluster analysis indicated that Emperor, Giant and Siriver were generally suitable to Weibei Plateau and could be planted in large scale. |