Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1922-03-23
BUREAU GIVES
j. ALFALFA ADVICE
INFORMATION RELATIVE TO IT'S
GROWTH FURNISHED BY THE
GRATIOT FARM BUREAU.

who contemplate planting for the
first time or have not secured the eX-
pccted results in past experiences.
Alfalfa has been making rapid
strides as an important Michigan
crop for number of years and Is
giving general satisfaction where
handled properly. 1t cannot, however,
be grown and handled as other le-
gumcs, but by following a few gen
cral principles alfalfa should prove
its worth on most farms in this coun-
ty. Not that it will replace entirely
such hay crops as we have been
growing, but should greatly re-
inforce those crops and insure the
production and increase the yield of
lcguminous hay, so necessary in eco
nomical feeding.
The soil is Of first Importance to
alfalfa growing. The best fields are
generally located on well-drained fer
tile loans and clay although excellent
fields are found on other soils. Good
drainage is of utmost Importance. On
very heavy soils and muck soils tile
drainage assists materially in keep
ing the alfalfa from being killed and
from heaving.
A proper calcineum carbonate con
tent in the soil is of equal import
ance. Only soils which are known to
be high in lime may be safely seeded
to alfalfa without lining. Apparent
ly most of the soils in this county
have 4 fair amount Of lime; but if
good field of alfalfa is planned, it is
well to consider this point. 1t is also
difficult TO get stand on soils de-
ficient in organic matter and use of
green manure crops or a dressing of
manure may be necessary. Once es
tablished, alfalfa grows vigorously
and builds up the condition of the
land Phosphates generally give ex-
cellent returns when applied to al
falfa, either at time of planting OF
rs a top dressing; especially on
properly lined land From 200 TO
go pounds of acid phosphate, acidu-
lated bone meal, or ammoniated phos-
phate, or 800 to 900 pounds Of finely
ground raw rock phosphate or floats
will give valuable returns in increas-
cd yields.
Alfalfa seed starts best on firm
seed bed. Clean corn, bean, beet and
potato ground is usually readily snap
cd for alfalfa Freedom of weeds
and grass is desirable. Fall and early
spring blowing followed by frequent
use of disk and harrow until weeds
are conquered is advisable. This
crop is to last from four to six years
and a little extra care in preparation
of seed bed is justified.
Alfalfa can be planted alone; with
spring grains, in fall wheat; or after
carly cash crcps, if these crops are
harvested to permit sowing of alfalfa
in July. Seeding after late July is
uncertain. Probably the best and
most persistent stands of alfalfa are
secured by seeding alone. Success
full stands are obtained by seeding in
the spring with oats, barley or buck
wheat and occasionally with wheat
and rye. A better growth of alfalfa
will be secured by using lighter
rate of seeding of these grains than
is used for maximum grain crops.
The varieties best adapted to Mich
igan conditions generally are Grimm,
Battle and Cossack. Regional strains
Of accimated common alfalfa rank
next and sometimes prove equal to
the other. Turkestan, Persian and
Brakean seed produce plants that are
short lived under our climatic condi-
tions.
incubation of seed is necessary
where alfalfa and sweet clover have
not grown. 1t is inexpensive and al
though most Gratiot county land
seems to be natural habitat for
these organisms, it is good insurance
and leads to an extensive nodule for
nation and cheap nitrogen supply
in the soil.
In brief, plant alfalfa only on we'll
drained fields. Prepare thoroughly.
Apply ground limestone, mari, beet
factory lime, or hydrolated lime. Use
acid phosphate or rock phosphate,
and manure to increase yield. Inoc
ulate soil where alfalfa or sweet
clover. has not been grown success
fully. Plant hardy northern grown
strains. Cut for hay when shoots
show at crown. Wilt in swath and
cure in windows or cocks. Harrow
old stands to retard June grass.
Grow alfalfa to get the largest
yield of the best hay per acre. To
reduce feed bills. To increase the
Lumus and nitrogen content and to
improve the conditions of the soil. |
To eradicate Canada thistles and 9TH
cr weeds.
This article can only call attention
to some of the points to consider In
growing alfalfa in a general way as
it is a broad subject and much can
be written For further experiments
and observations the Michigan Agri- |
cultural College and u. S. Depart !
ment of Agriculture have several
bulletins relating to alfalfa. These
may be obtained free from the Farm
Bureau office or county agent at