Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1906-07-27
agricultural.
TALK ON ALFALFA.

When alfalfa begins to bloom it should
be cut that is, at time when not more
than one-tenth of the blooms have ap-
peared, writes Fl M. Ginther, Hagers-
town, Md, in the Agricultural Epito-
mist. If cut at this stage in its growth
the plants will suffer less damage from
the cutting, the fiber will be softer and
more easily digested and the roots will
respond more quickly with the succeed
ing crop than if allowed to grow to ma
turity. When the alfalfa plants reach
their full growth the stems become
woody and it has been found that less
protein content remains in the plant
when it has once reached its full growth.
In cutting alfalfa then there is much to
be considered beyond the mere state Of
the weather. Cut it at the right time,
when the blooms appear as described,
and it will prove to be better plan to
postpone doing so until the weather con-
ditions exactly suit. Alfalfa can be as
easily grown as any other crop when the
farmer once thoroughly understands its
requirements.
Delighted farmers in all parts of the
country will this year realize their first
crop Of alfalfa and such are urged to
study the problem Of feeding alfalfa in
order that the best results may be OBJ
tanned. The feeding of alfalfa is a big
and important subject which should en-
gage the careful attention Of all feeders,
whether they grow alfalfa or not, for it
offers such great advantages over other
crops that its desirability is established
Alfalfa grows better at the second or
third seeding than the first, and in this
fact is found its practical perpetuity on
any farm where it may be introduced.
The cause of this is that the land be-
comes thoroughly inoculated with the
necessary bacteria for its growth, and
when this is accomplished alfalfa will
not fail. In planting the crop on land
where the bacteria are not known to
exist the bacteria may be CRITICALLY in
troduced by inoculating the seed with
pure alfalfa bacteria cultures or by in
oculating the soil through the medium
vi Juo UaCJcELb lOuuu III boit WuoTc III
falfa has been growing. Either method
is effective, but circumstances will cause
one or the other to be preferred in al
most every instance. Thorough prepara-
ton of the soil and seed are the essen
tial things of soil incubation which
every farmer can do for himself and by
SO doing practically guarantee to him
self satisfactory crop.
Alfalfa sown this spring will soon re-
quire close attention. II weeds did not
grow the question would be simple. but
weeds do grow and apparently with re-
markable thrift in new alfalfa fields.
Such fields will have to be run over with
mower every two or threo weeks to
keep the weeds from choking the alfalfa.
No other way of combating the weeds
has been discovered and but few in
stances are known where spring grown
alfalfa did not require this clipping
treatment. This clipping should be done
only when the crop is dry, for manifest
reasons. Do not go in before the dew
is dried off in the morning, nor remain
after the plants become moist in the
evening Continue the clipping process
as long as the weeds continue to show
aggressiveness. When they stop then
the clipping may be stopped and the al
falfa allowed to come on as fast as it
will. A top dressing Of fine barnyard
manure at this time will be of greatest
benefit. As rotation crop alfalfa pre-
sents promising capabilities. 1t has
been described as anything but rota.
ton crop, but it has also been pronounc-
ed an impossible crop for the Middle
States and experience has shown it to be
wonderfully adapted for that section.
AS q general proposition it should be
laid down that all stock must be kept Of
alfalfa fields during the FIRST year Ex-
ceptions may arise which will offer good
reason for violating this rule, but it
would be safe one to follow in every
case. The warning should be once more
repeated that all Illuminating stock, cat
tie and sheep among domestic animals
are very subject to bloat when turned in
ON alfalfa at first. Care should be used
at all times, for even after cattle and
sheep have been accustomed to browsing
on alfalfa, should they be turned in ear
ly Of amorning after remaining out for
day and night it is quite likely thai
the dew wet alfalfa will cause bloat and
possibly the death Of the animals. A.
soiling crop alfalfa is not equaled BY
any other and dairymen should expert.
ment with it for this purpose. It viii