Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 71, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 March 1914 — SEEDING OF ALFALFA; TENDER AT REGINNINC [ARTICLE]

SEEDING OF ALFALFA; TENDER AT REGINNINC

Authority Writes Interesting Paper On Subject That Farmers Are - . . Interested In.

Through the courtesy of the editors, we take this means of replying to many inquiries regarding the seeding of alfalfa. As is generally known it is more fastidious in its requirements than our common crops; Assuming that the land to be seeded is capable of producing good crops of corn the precautions should be taken to conserve the moisture, provide ample plant food, introduce the alfalfa bacteria and give the young plant the advantage of weeds. The land should have been manured and deep plowed 4n the fall. As soon as in condition this spring it should be disked, harrowed and then made firm and level by use of roller or float. If, however, it was hot plowed in the fall r then_lt should be as soon as dry enough in the spring. In this case, too, it should if possible be manured and disked before plowing. Deep plowing in the spring makes the job of compacting the seed bed all the more difficult. Use roller or float, make it firm, and crush every clod. Land that has been in corn is not desirable for spring plowing on account of the stalks and stubs. A clover sod that has not yet become infested with bluegrass ,is to be p refer red. The time of seeding will of eburse depend upon the season. Probably the first half of April will permit. Alfalfa may be completely killed by a light freeze before it gets the third leaf. While later seems more favorable to weed growth, as an accompanying crop we seed with it one bushel beardless spring barley. We do not know that it at all interferes with the alfalfa, and it'helps to ..check weeds and in about ninety days makes about one ton of splendid hay per acre. Winter wheat will do, but makes less hay. For several reasons oats arc not permissable.

While we do not consider the use of acid phosphate at all in line with up to date methods of fertilizing, as a makeshift we shall apply three hundred pounds of the 16 per cent grade per acre. It, with the barley, may be seeded either in drills or broadcast. Unless you wish to conduct some experiments do not be misled by the notions of the old school that this theory of inoculation is all bosh, and while it has been told and written many times, It “takes everlasting patience to

urge the farmer to do those things that are really worth while. Take the dirt of the first few inches from about the roots of vigorous alfalfa or sweet clover. Keep it from the strong sunlight. It may be mixed with the barley or fertilizer. A small amount will suffice so that it be evenly distributed and quickly incorporated with the soil. We shall use another method, not so much work, but more technical and requires a lengthy description.. Twenty pounds per acre i.s ( about the correct amount of alfalfa seed when sown broadcast. When a special drill is secured fifteen pounds of good seed will be ample. One-half inch will be a sufficient covering. Few are aware that alfalfa has a feeding value exactly equal to shelled corn, pound per pound. It will give a mediocre yield of four tons per acre, the equal of 142 bushels and 42 pounds of corn, and while this amount of corn would take 211 pounds of nitrogen from the soil that would cost $38.00 to replace, the alfalfa would add $lB worth, a difference in its favor of $56 per acre. We will but mention that alfalfa and corn makes almost a complete balanced ration for all kinds of farm animals. This queen of the meadow has splendid gifts for those who really care to win her, but certain disappointment for the indifferent.

If we properly interpret the signs of the times it is but a matter of a few years until its luxurious green is seen in every hand. Respectfully, WINFRED H. PULLIN.