This experiment was conducted to determine the changes in physical and chemical compositions of alfalfa dried with two different way in the drying unit supported with the solar energy and dried traditionally on field.

Treatment groups consisted of alfalfa dried with different methods were as follows: Alfalfa cut and dried in the drying unit at the harvested day ( K Group), alfalfa wilted for 24 h and dried in the drying unit ( P Group ) and alfalfa dried traditionally on field ( T Group).

Collector’s heat benefit was higher in July and August had the highest temperature and in this period the highest heat benefit was determined. As having been regard to hours the highest heat benefit was determined between 12.00 - 13.00 h in which sun rays are most intensive. The longest drying period was determined in T group and this group followed by K and P group. Drying time of alfalfa was shortened with wilting before putting in to drying unit.

When comparisons between groups were made with respect to physical composition of alfalfa, leaf loss was higher in T group than K and P groups. Alfalfa in group T was more lightcolored, dirtier and lower quality than that of in group K and P.The nutritive value were 18.58, 18.36 and 13.05 % for crude protein, 2.86, 2.88 and 1.90 % for eter extract, 26.88, 26.20 and 31.02 % for crude fiber, 37.34, 37.48 and 46.76 % for NDF, 32.9, 33.04 and 38.80 % for ADF, 7.92, 7.94 and 9.64 for ADL, 24.98, 25.10 and 29.16 % for sellulose and 4.44, 4.24 and 8.16 % for hemisellülose in K, P and T groups, respectively.The energy levels of alfalfa in K and P group were similar but lower in T group than other groups. The average beta carotene levels in K, P and T group were 206.95, 122.18 and 38.93 mg/kg DM respectively ( P<0.05).