Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 99, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 April 1912 — Alfalfa in Indiana [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Alfalfa in Indiana

Pnrdae University Agricultural Extension

Following the advocacy of alfalfa culture at the sessions of the Indiana Corn Growers’ association, held at Purdue University in January, there has been a strong interest manifested in all parts of the state in this crop. Farmers in 'many counties have acknowledged their intention to plant larger areas than ever before, and are asking for information regarding the proper handling of the crop under Indiana conditions, and are receiving many valuable suggestions from the Purdue experiment station in this connection. “The possibilities for alfalfa growing are such,” commented Prof, A. T. Wiancko,* chief of the soils and crops department, “that it is hard to estimate and really impossible to overestimate the importance of the movement to Indiana farmers. Economically, we find that it will yield two or three, and even four, times as much hay in a season as clover, and that the hay is worth from half to twice as much more per ton as feed. On this basis its importance can readily be seen.” Prof. Wiancko also maintains that alfalfa Is adapted to the climatic conditions in all parts of Indiana, and that it is simply a question of the farmers becoming accustomed to the crop and its requirements. After this is once accomplished, it will be just as easy to raise a good crop of alfalfa as it is to raise a crop of clover. ,“We know,” be adds, “that the crop can be successfully grown in nearly every county on all soil types from the light sandy or peat soils to heavy clays, provided that they a*e properly drained and are in a reasonable state of fertility.’’ “The same problem that is a serious one in connection with the growing of alfalfa is that of eradicating the weeds. In nearly 400 experiments conducted by the experiment station this proved a most serious difficulty. t*TA Is necessary to give this especial attention,” declares Prof. Wiancko, “and have the soil kept free from veeds and the seed bed properly prepared." “In most instances, proper inoculation of the soil is necessary where alfalfa is grown for tbe first time, before the plant will do Its best. When once properly inoculated, however, with its nitrogen gathering bacteria, the crop can supply Itself with nitre-

gen from the air, and will materially enrich the soil in this element for future crops.” There are many farmers in Indians who do not appreciate the uses to which the urop can be put. It is th« “king of forage crops," by popular consent. It is relished by all kinds of live stock, from chickens to horses, and is especially valuable for bogs as a pasture crop. It not only supplies large amounts of succulent food, ricb in protein, but it is a decidedly beneficial feed in its effect upon the health of the animals. Aside from its value in the ration for cattle, it has been found extremely valuable from the standpoint of maintaining the fertility of the soil, many experiments at-

testing the truth of this premise. As, a feed for dairy cows for milk production there is nothing better; it by far exceeds clover in value: The agricultural extension department is aiding in, the alfalfa movement in special trains being operated over Indiana railroads, and will reach, in this way, several thousand interested farmers, carrying t» them practical suggestions gleaned from the experimental work carried on at Purdue.

Strong, Healthy Young Alfalfa Plant Seed Sowed August 23. Plants Photographed May 10. Note Nodules on Roots.