Norwich bulletin., 1917-06-21
WINTER-kILLED ALFALFA.
If Badly Gone Flow 1t Up and Start
 Again.

What shall be done with winter killed alfalfa? Many farmers have this question to answer, for the severe weather last winter damaged many al falfa fields. For the dairyman tk>re is but one answer-Try it again. AL falfa is the most valuable roughage the farm can produce; it will reduce the necessary grain bill more than any other home grown forage; it can be grown in Connecticut with very good success. If the field has an open sub soil and good surface drainage and is reasonably fertile do not abandon it. Try alfalfa once more.
 When fields are partially killed out 1t Is often best to leave them until after the first cutting. What looks like very poor stand in the spring
 dften thickens up surprisingly and may yield quite a satisfactory crop of alfalfa and grass. We need all the al- falfa hay possible this year, so leave the fled alone for one or two cuttings before making another,start.
 If the alfalfa field is badly killed out largely gone and full of weeds-plow it at once and try again, because the field has been Timed and is inoculated An investment has already been made for alfalfa on that feld-and a little more to the enterprise and make it succeed.
 Now is the time to remedy any de- fects in previous preparation. Apply some more lime if sorrel, moss and daisies come in. Get some manure worked into the soil--the field may lack humus and fertility. Often an application of acid phosphate or bone should be made. If any wood ashes are available use them for alfalfa - it needs potash. Be sure to inoculate if the plants do not show abundant nodu:es. It is impossible to over-do the inocuiation.
 Old alfalfa fields when p1owed may be cropped this year and reseeded next year. A year of cultivation will kill out many weeds and give a chance for Moreover, crops do wonderfully well on alfalfa sods-even where it has winter killed. The roots and ate remain to feed the next crop.
 It is also possible to grow a crop and reseed this year. Oats, barley, or Hun garian millet may possibly be grown for hay before reseeding. However, it is usually best not to try for another crop if the field is to be reseeded the same year.
 Flow as soon as possible or immed- lately after cutting the first crop. Disk thoroughly and often. Work in the disking and narrowing get the soil as mellow and fine as possible. Reseed before the middle of August. Apr4y all fertilizer just before seeding. Two hundred pounds per acre of a 3 per cent. or per cent. ammonia (nitro- gen) fertilizer mixed with 500 to Sc0 pounds of caid phosphate will start the young seedlings and furnish the need. ed phosphate material. Be sure to inoculate if necessary.
 Grimm alfalfa is undoubtedly more hardy than common, but if you pay Grimm seed prices be sure it is true to name. Buy only from reliable par ties. If common alfalfa is used get northern-grown seed of the best pos sibie quality.
 Your county agent or the extension department of the Connecticut Agri- cultural College will be glad to give suggestions about getting seed, fitting the fields and making a successful start. If you have any questions write for help.-Benjamin G. Southwick, Elk tension Agronomist, Connecticut Agri- cultural College.