Abstract
<jats:p>This article presents a comprehensive study of the effect of water-saving irrigation technologies on the productivity of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) under irrigated conditions. In the context of increasing water scarcity, the rational use of water resources in forage crop production has become one of the most pressing challenges in modern agriculture. Therefore, the main objective of the research was to scientifically assess the impact of water-saving irrigation technologies, compared with conventional irrigation methods, on alfalfa yield, green biomass and dry matter output, water use efficiency, and key biological development indicators of the crop. The research was carried out through field experiments conducted under irrigated farming conditions. According to the experimental design, different irrigation methods were applied, and their effects on alfalfa growth dynamics, stem height, leaf development, number of cuttings, and total biomass accumulation were evaluated. In addition, total water consumption was calculated for each treatment, and the water use efficiency coefficient was determined. The experimental data obtained were processed using mathematical and statistical methods, and the significance of differences between treatments was assessed. The results demonstrated that the application of water-saving irrigation technologies significantly reduced overall water consumption while simultaneously promoting an increase in alfalfa productivity. Maintaining an optimal soil moisture regime enhanced the physiological activity of plants and intensified photosynthetic processes. As a result, green biomass and dry matter yields increased, and overall forage quality improved. The improvement in water use efficiency was characterized by a reduction in the amount of water consumed per unit of yield. The conducted research confirms that the implementation of water-saving irrigation technologies in alfalfa production under irrigated conditions is an agronomically, economically, and environmentally sound solution. The findings provide a scientific basis for the development of sustainable water management systems in agricultural production and for improving the efficient use of limited water resources.</jats:p>