The Carlisle independent., 1920-03-04
G<s~ fhore Alfalfa in Arkansas
 Urges Nelson

More alfalfs should be grown in Ar than any other permanent meadow crop and furnishes the best hay for all
 arosind Livestock feeding on the farm
 in the opinion of Martin Nelson, Vice
 Dean of the College of Agriculture, University of Arkansas.
 In seasons of ample moisture and late frost, As many as SIX cuttings of alfalfa averaging ton each per acre have been grown in Arkansas. Four cuttings in season are usual in prac- sicaily every part of the state while five cuttings are usual in some parts of the state.
 Owing to the fact that alfalfa us- ually remains on the land three or
 more years, it is the bet crop for soil
 improvement that can be grown on
 the farm. Alfalfa is such an impor-
 tant crop that it will pay to give it
 the best land on the farm and if this
 lis done, every farmer can have at least q small acreage O. alfalfa, the worlds best forage crop.
 | things which most farms can supply.
 First, 1t wants a rich soil, next, well drained soil of open texture so that the roots may penetrate deep and | their development not be interfered
 with by hardpan, brick tight sub-soil,
 or water standing tco high in the soil l Alfalfa grows best On river and creek I h1EE f-,-
 made by deposits from overflow. Such
 oils contain enough sand 10 make it porious and enough organic matter
 to make 1t rich. Such porious soils
 are well drained except in times of
 overflow. Consequently the crop grows readily on all creek and river bottom lands of the state.
 A sweet condition of the soil and inoealation are necessary for the crop. ! River and creek bottom soils are rare ly sour and as rule alfalfa inocu- lates readily, especially on the river bottom soil. On other types of soil
 more attention IS necessary in order to succeed with alfalfa. The location of the field must be carefully chosen with reference to drainage and pro- lductiyity. The blowing must be deep and the field worked until there are no clods left. If the soil is sour, lime must be used, and it is best to apply manure or commercial fertilizer, es- pecialiy to the first field seeded on the farm. Once he has learned the re- quirements of alfalfa the grower will
 have less difficulty in seeding new fields.
 "It IS absolutely necessary for suc- cess that the seed be sown just as ear Fly in the spring as weather and soil conditions will permit. About fifteen I or twenty pounds of seed per acre should be used, sown broadcast and
 narrowed well after seeding. If lime and inocculation are supplied, the lime should be applied immediately after blowing and disked in just before seeding. The seed may be inoccuiat- ed by using the artificial culture, or soil from the alfalfa field may be spread on the land at the rate of 1000 pounds per acre and cultivated in just
 before seeding. The same cultivation
 can be used to work in the lime, the
 inocculated soil, and preparing the
 soil for the seed. The surface should
 be smooth and fine when the seed is
 sown. then narrowed after seeding,
 thereby leaving the field perfectly
 smooth in order that the moving ma
 chine and all haying implements may
 be used with satisfaction
 New Spray Calender Is Ready For