Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 170, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 July 1913 — Information Regarding Seeding for Alfalfa. [ARTICLE]

Information Regarding Seeding for Alfalfa.

Alfalfa seems to be a subject of general interest to the farmers of the county and I am extremely glad to note that interest. Several have asked me regarding the seeding of alfalfa and I am more than glad to do aU that 'I ean to encourage the farmers along this line and help them to get a stand of alfalfa, if possible, and we know that it is possible because quite a few have tried and met with success already. Right now in a very good time to prepare the seed bed for your alfalfa. If you have rye or oats which you can get off directly, plow the ground, or if in suitable condition, disc it thoroughly, then harrow it frequently—about every week or ten days—until the seed bed is in ideal condition, for the secret to success in securing a stand of alfalfa Mes largely in the seed bed. The seed may be sown any time till the middle or of next month. Use about 15 or 17 pounds of seed to thfi acre. In regard to the innoculafcion, Which is a very important point if the crop is to do its best, both with regains to its own growth and to the improvement of the soil, I may say that the most advisable way is to apply about one load of'soil - which has grown alfalfa or sweet clover with nodules on the roots, to the acre of land that you intend to seed. In examining alfalfa or sweet clover to find If there are nodules on the roots, dig the plant up and shake the dirt off carefully, rather than pull the plant, for in this way the nodules will be Stripped from the roots. In applying this innoeulated soil it is best to do so on a cloudy day, if possible, or else harrow the ground on which the load is sown after each load and mix it with the soil of the field, for If left on the surface and subjected to the sunlight the bacteria Will be killed. After securing'a stand of alfalfa, clip the crop and weeds which will be inclined to dhoke out the young, tender alfalfa plant, allowing the clippings to remain qn the field if not so heavy that they will smother it. To determine when your alfalfa is ready to out for hay watch for the shoots which will appear at the crown rather than the blossom. The two, however, generally go hand in hand. I Will be glad to confer with anyone; personally, at any time, on this subject. O. G. BARRETT, County Agent.