Evening journal., 1913-06-24

Observation-Disclosures is abso-
lutely necessary for successful results
with alfalfa. The lime prepares the
soil for the development OF the bac-
terra, which forms the nodules on the
roots Of the plant These bacteria aid
the plant in securing its nitrogen from
the air. Nearly all soils require in
loculation as the bacteria common 10
alfalfa are not found on other culti-
waited clovers. incubation may be ac-
complished in two ways. First, by
means OF soil taken from a field where
alfalfa has been successfully grown.
Two or three hundred pounds is suf-
lficient TO inoculate an acre. Even dis
ltribution is facilitated by mixing the
iinoculated soil with an equal guam
itity of other soil IN order TO increase
the bulk The mixture may then be
lbroadcasted by hand OF applied with
a fertilizer distributor. IL Is impor-
itant to harrow the land Immediately
after the inoculated soil has been ap-
piled, so that the sunlight may not
injure the bacteria. The inoculated
soil should be applied just before SOW
ling. Second, incubation may be in-
troducted by the use Of cultures, pre-
pared commercially or by the United
States Department Of Agriculture.
! Generally they will be furnished by
the department free of charge together
with directions for use. These cul-
lures are applied in a solution to the
seed which is sown at once.
The Seed-Care should be taken in
the selection Of alfalsa seed Pure seed
OF strong vitality is essential. Good
seed is indicated by it's plumpness
and greenish-yellow color Rusty or
dull brownish seed is likely to be too
lold for the best termination. Dodder
seed is a common impurty. The dod-
der is a parasitic plant that twlnes
about clovers and alfalfa, feeding on
their juices and finally killing the
plants Samples of seed suspected of
low termination or impurities should
Ibe sent 10 the Department OF Agron-
lomy for examination.
Time of Seeding-In Delaware al
lfalfa should be sown from the 10th to
the goth Of August During a normal
season the alfalfa will make from 6
to 10 inches growth before frost,
which will insure the plants passing
the winter in good condition. Spring
lseeding cannot be recommended. BE
careful to see that the soil has plenty
lOf moisture at the depth OF one inch
et the time OF seeding. If the soil has
been properly managed during the
isummer. as described above, moisture
conditions will be satisfactory. It Is
best TO SOW after a shower of rain. II
the land is somewhat dry at the sur
face when seeding. follow with a
ROLLER.
Rate OF Seeding-The usual rate of
seeding alfalfa is 20 pounds per acre.
In order TO secure a perfect stand the
seed may be divided into two portions
,and the land sown in two directions.
"a wheelbarrow or hand seeder may
lbn used. Cover the seed by harrow
ing In lightly Immediately after SOW
ing. The grass seeding compartment
of wheat drill may be used, in which
case It will not be necessary to har-
row in the seed.
After Treatment--If sown as direct.
ed above the alfalfa will make a good
growth before winter, but should moi
be cut the first fall unless very rank
1 It is better TO leave some growth Z,
/ serve as a protection during the win
, ter The first cutting, which will COM
, lof about the 1st Of June, will be tn
/ heaviest, and lesser cuttings may bl
expected at intervals of s or weeks
during the summer. The size Of the
cutting will depend largely on the
rainfall and weather conditions. In
lany case when the alfalfa leaves begin
Ito turn yellow the crop should be
lclipped and removed. The degree OF
maturity for cutting is indicated by
an occasional purple blossom or by
the appearance Of buds at the base
OF the main stem near the ground
Failure TO cut the alfalfa promptly
tends to retard the growth Of III,
plants for later cuttings.
Top dressing the alfalfa with stable
manure during the fall after the frs
year will often serve to stimulate tn,
growth.
A. p. Grantham. Agronomist,
: Delaware Experiment Station.
June 90, 1913.