Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1924-12-18


Alfalfa uses all the season and Il uses
all the SOIL - Because Of its immense
root growth. II withstands drought better
thzn any other crop. Not only does II
give the largest yield. but II Is exceed
ingly rich IN that most important and
expensive food element, protein A ton
Of alfalfa hay contains IS much protein
Is q ton Of bran Alfalfa Is also v1lu-
able rs . soil builder. Ii adds TO the
soil more nitrogen and more humns than
any other leguminO1s crop
That Is the testimony of J. r. Connor.
a farmer Of Redwood Falls
Alfalfa growing on a majority Of the
farms in Minnesota Is not difficult. says
A c. Army. University Farm. St Paul
Where the soil is acid IL Is necessary to
apply lime or mari. rs IN southeastern
Minnesota or in the sandy lands between
the twin cites and Bemidi. but with lime
treatment the crop may be grown profit
ably. Well drained lands are also neces-
sary. Alfalfa IS the salvation of sandy
land farms.
Grimm alfalfa recommended
Minnesota grown Grimm alfalfa is the
safest variety to plant in Minnesota
When conditions are at all favorable.
from IL to IA pounds of seed TO the acre
is enough. On light sand IL is sometimes
necessary to reseed once or even twice in
the same season, owing TO the killing of
young plants by blowing sand
incubation increases both root and top
growth. incubation is accomplished by
mixing soil taken from the top three or
four inches of vigorous sweet clover
patch with the alfalfa seed, pound for
pound The soil is taken under cover.
sifted. and then dried gradually. When
seeding time arrives. the seed is moist
ened and then mixed with the dried in
oculated soil.
Preparation of the seeded
On the heavy, MISUNDERSTANDING soils
of Minnesota, alfalfa may be sown early
in the spring with grain, in the same man.
ner as clover A firm. well prepared seed
bed gives best results. Fall plowed. well
narrowed fields provide these conditions
From one-half to three-quarters of a
bushel of barley. early oats. or wheat to
the acre is enough. Careful regulation OF
the drill is necessary.
On sandy land particularly, careful
preparation of the seeded and seeding
without nurse crop is the best practice
With the field lined and compact. and
free from weeds, the seeding may be
done whenever there is enough moisture
in the soil to let the plants establish
themselves. As such condition is likely
to come early in the spring. it is well &c
have the seeded in readiness. This may
be done by keeping all weeds out of early
potato or corn fields the previous season.
and cultivating them well throughout the
fall Early in the spring, the land should
be narrowed and rolled thoroughly with a
corrugated roller.
Seeding is at depth of from / to II
inches.
Alfalfa should not be pastured the first
season.
Time to cut for hay
For all classes of animals except horses.
alfalfa should be cut for hay when the
new shoots or stems at the crown are
from one to two inches long. or from then
on till the alfalfa is in full bloom.
1t is a good plan to cut alfalfa in the
evening before the dew has fallen. or in
the morning after the dew is off If the
crop is very heavy, tedder can be used
to advantage in the late forenoon or early
afternoon after cutting. With good dry
weather the hay can sometimes be raked