The Dallas weekly herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1885, 1875-04-03
Planting Alfalfa.

co. .cerning alfalfa culture:
As we have been familiar with
the character, qualities and results
OF alfalfa cultivation in California
since 1862, when we first introduced
it here, and urged its cultivation,
we think we can give reliable in
structi0ns.
Alfalfa, or Chilli clover, is cspc'
cialIy adapted for dry, hot climate
No matter how hot the weather may
be, so long rs the soil has been cul,
tivated deep enough for the roots to
go down in search of moisture, al
falfa will flourish.
There is no better feed for cattle
or sheep than alfalfa, property
grown and properly cured, and for
rasturagc or for hay.
The best soil for alfalfa is deep
aIluvial soil, deep, rich sandy loan,
or any good soil-evcn our black
soil, after it has been thoroughly
subducd-but no soil is fit for alfalfa
that is not deep and fine, as the roots
will go down twenty feet in search
of moisture. Give to alfalfa free
scope for the roots to 90 down, and
no matter if the heat is l20 degrees,
alfalfa will do well, and give from
eight to sixteen or twenty tons to
the acre. This depends on the soil
and manner Of sowing.
Tho time and manner Of sowing
we recommend us follows:
As we have said, the land for
alfalfa must be deeply and finely
plowed, sixteen, twenty or twenty
four inches, and fine, thorough work
rcmcmberir G that alfalfa, once well
established, stands for many years
The time for sowing we recommend
is autumn, and upon the best land
as described we would advise that
it be sown with oats or wheat ol
barley, and twenty-five pounds al.
falla TO the acre; it should be sown
thick, so that it grows succulent and
tcnder-thus grown it yields more
to the acre, willis quicker when cut,
and makes better and swceter hay ;
when sown sparse the stalks N,
coarse and harl, will not cure and
stock will not cat it. When alfalfa
is thus sown in the fall early with
grain the grain comes up and acts
Us II protector to the young alfalfa
in case in case of frost, as the grain
blades hang over the alfalfa to shield
it both from any frost, sun OF
droulh, and us the season warns NJ
in Jaruary or February, and the
grain grows, the alfalfa grows also,
and this covers the soil among the
grain roots, and in turn protects the
earth from tho sun, and helps the
grain by keeping the surface
shielded
Az soon as tho grain is harvested
the alfnlE, will spring onward in its
growth, and push rapidly forward
giving Two or three crops the first
year Ono other great gain in
planting with grain is this, after th,
grain is off the decaying stubble If
rich food for the alfalfa; the roots ot
the grain become deep cavities
which are quickly filled with the
roots OF the alfalfa MS they 20 down
for moisture thus in planting the
alfalfa this fall carly with grain
both species are benefited, and 4
large crop is secured of each.
When alfalfa pastures are to be
used for feed only, for cows or
sheep they should bc fenced of into
five or ten acre lots, in order to give
each lot full recuperativc power
This can cas.ly be done by the mov
able fence, for stock in rich alfalfa
pastures won't jump fences or break
them
When alfalfa is raised for hay, il
should be cut when in full blossom
before seeding. 1fsown asst shoulC
/ be. thick, the grass will be tender
and will wilt quickly, and should
be quickly winrowed, then stacked
early, not dried up Clover shonlc
be cured ~ we cure herbs, TO retail
their fragrance and goodness 81
with alfalfa, it needs but little ex
posure, rs il will dry enough in th'
stack. The curing OF alfalfa hay IL
one of the mos: important parts o
the whole thing. All the process %
selection of soil, blowing, planting
etc, will all be losi, if at last Il goot
crop Of ten or twelve tons per acr'
is badly harvested and spoiled.