Delta chief., 1884-03-19
Lucern or Alfalfa.

The first attempt made to raise this grass
was in the spring of 1870, breaking and seed
ing about an acre, in which l experienced
some difficulty from scarcity of seed, and
lateness of sewing, which after experience
cured. 1t is generally supposed that alfalfa
requires deep, rich, sandy loan, and that it
will not grow in compact clay soil, or in shall
low soil having clay bottom. While, of
course it will thrive the best in deep, sandy
loan, it will grow and thrive in other soils
proportionately as we'll rs cereals and other
grasses, at the same time tending greatly to
enrich the soil, for the reason that alfalfa,
being like other leguminous plants, draws
largely from the atmosphere for its susten-
nance, and its reaching roots in their decay
enrich the soil with vegetable matter, while
also disintegrating it, and poor soil is by 1t
in time converted into a rich, black loan;
also, like clover, it can be used as a rotation
crop for wheat and other cereals, and when
plowed in produces the same manureal effects,
and assists the farmer in deepening his SUBJ
clay, if he wishes, as the plow must go deep
to cut the roots.
In preparation of the soil for seed alfalfa
requires the same care that good farmer will
give to any crop, sowing about the middle of
April, or soon us the proper conditions ap-
pear. 1t can be sown broadcast by hand, or
with the grain drill, with grass seed attach
ment, which is the same rs sowing broadcast
harrow with Light harrow, a light brush drag
might do. Avoid rolling if the ground be
moist, as it may form crust. Ii used for
hay, sow about twenty pounds to the acre
If the object is to be used for seed, it should
be sown at about ten pounds to the acre.
There has been much discussion on the
point as to whether it should be sown alone
or in connection with other seed. My exper-
fence has satisfied me that if the soil be clean
and free from foul weed seed, and lies favor
able for neutrality-suspicious. seldom occur
ing in our State-then sow without other
seed. But if the soil be generally foul with
weed seeds as it is with us it is best to sow a
half-sowing. saw forty pounds to the acre, of
wheat or other grain, and then sow the alfal-
ia. The reason is this: The plant being
while young very tender one, is likely to
be killed by weeds if sOwn alone, while grain
will shade the plant, choke out the weeds and
prepare the ground for better irrigation, and
the second season the plant has root sufficient
to eradicate the weeds without further pro-
lection.
As we do not live in land where the rain
falls on the lust and the unjust" alike, few
suggestions on the subject of irrigation are
necessary. When the grass was first repre-
sented TO me, it was urged AS a reason for its
introduction that it would require no irriga-
tion. In some lands, such as those that have
no hard sub-soil, aud the roots can penetrate
easily to near water, this maybe true but in
our soil the general rule is 10 the contrary,
and reasonable amount of irrigation is es-
sential, though after the second years growth
it will stand more drouth than any plant
utilized for n similar purpose.
When the roots once get possession of the
soil they continue under favorable conditions
to produce crops of herbage almost indefin-
itely. Usually the spring moisture is suiii-
cient for the first cutting, and, if necessary,
the ground should be irrigated as soon as pos
sible after the hay is gathered. Care should
be taken to irrigate thoroughly in the fall and
before the hard freezing Of winter, for if the
ground be kept too dry in the fall, the hard
frosts of winter will sometimes kill it. Es-
pecial care should be taken during the first
year to keep the ground well moistened il
these suggestions are followed a farmer can
reasonably expect the second year one fair
crop and perhaps two; the third year, under
good conditions, two good crops, and perhaps
three, and after that, under the same favor
able conditions three good crops annually.
These may be decreased. and may be increas-
ed, according to the skill of the farmer. We
have some remarkable statistics given us by
Mr.. Clark and others regarding the wonder
full yields of this grass under very favorable
conditions, which can not be taken guide
by the practical farmer. l will say, howev
er, that a farmer, under our present advan-
tages for farming, can reasonably expect a
yield of from three to five tons per in
the aggregate annually.
My experience also teaches me that no crop
can be expected the first year. and it is best
not 10 cut II that year.
The first cutting, which may be looked for
in June, should be done as the plant is about
to flower, and before full bloom, because if
delayed the stems become woody. The mode
of curing is similar to common clover; cut
left in the swath until partially dried, raked
and left in cocks until sufficiently cured care
being taken not to allow the hay to become
too dry, as the leaves and small stems, the
most nourisbing part, will be lost. 1t is un-
necessary to add that too much turning will
produce a similar loss. This hay will not
| shed rain like other hay, and should be eth
er stored in barns or sheds it can be covered
in the stack with canvass covers or topped
with other hay it can be baled bnt this is
not advisabue on account of loss, In waste
and appearance.
As a food value, in my opinion, it is unsur.
passed. In the fresh soiling state it can be
fed to cattle and other animals with the most
beneficial results, and as hay it has the same
vantages. Work horses fed on this food will
keep in good condition and accomplish as
much work with one-half the amount of grain
required as when fed on other hay, and that
| prejudice now existing to its use, is mostly
confined to those keeping driving horses,
ue. A dairy cow fed on this hay will give
more milk and richer in quality, and conse.
| quently better and more butter will be pro-
duced than when fed on other hay, and the
several dairies and private parties whom I
have supplied with Alfalfa for the past three
| years could not be induced to use any other
| hay, when they can secure alfalfa.
Some persons have suggested that the milk
| and butter produced from COWS fed on this
has an unpleasant flavor. have never been
able to discover it, and have never seen any