Milford chronicle., 1927-07-15

big difference. After the stand
has been thoroughly established, an
application each spring of acid phos-
phate and potash at the rate of 300
to 400 lbs, per acre of 0-12-5 for
mula should be sufficient.
The question of lining for alfalfa
is very important. However, on the
light soils it can be eaisly overdone
1t has been demonstrated that ap-
plications of 500 to 1000 lbs, of
hydrated lime each year will give
much better results than putting
more an at ont time. Anyone plan
ming on seeding alfalfa should apply
about 1000 lbs, of hydrated lime, or
its equivalent in other forms on
cover crop in the fall, and then in
the spring when the land is plowed
put on the second lime application.
Top dressing the second and third
year at the same rate will insure
longer life and makes a big differ
ence in the yield.
Selection of Feed
Care should be overcised in buying
alfalfa seed as there are so many
alluring advertisements about varie-
ties which are not suited to Della
ware soil and climatic conditions.
According to demonstrations carried
on by each of the three county
agents, and also the work at the Ex-
pertinent Station, Common Hardy
North Western grown seed from
northern Kansas or Nebraska has
given the best results. There are
other sources of good seed How
ever, they don't seem to do as we'll
in this locality.
incubation of Seed
The question of seed incubation
has been brought thoroughly demon
strated throughout the state and
there should be no excuse for a far
mer to fail to get alfalfa because of
the lack of alfalfa bacteria in soil.
Alfalfa takes the same inoculation
as sweet clover, yellow trefoil, bur
clover, bitter clover and several
other legumes. The two methods of
inoculation are: pure culture and
soil glue. Both are effective if pro-
perly done and there is no danger
from using both in order to be sure.
The pure culture is sold CONNER
cially in small bottles which carry
the alfalfa bacteria and is sprinkled
over the seed prior to planting. The
soil glue method consists of mixing
some soil from a field where alfalfa
or sweet clover has been growing
successfully for several years and
mixing it thoroughly with the seed.
A little glue water sprinkled over
the seed will cause the soil particles
to stick to the seed and is one of the
surest ways of getting the inoculat- |
ion. A lb., of soil to a lb., of seed |
and one quart of glue to so lbs, of |
seed is about the right proportion.
Time and Method Of Seeding
In Sussex County about August
10th, seems to be the proper time for
seeding, and after the ground has
been properly prepared one does not
have to wait for good rain. If the
roller has been used frequently
enough there is always enough mois-
ture to insure termination. In the
northern part of the state the gen.
eral practice has been to seed about
August Goth.
There is no best method of seed
ng. Any system is all right that
equally distributes the seed. How
ever, it is mighty goodrule to seed
one way across the field
Ind one-half in the opposite direct
on. A wheelbarrow seeder, alfalfa
lisk seeder, or by hand, have all
given splendid results.
Cultivating Alfalfa
In spite of quite a number of sue
,essful demonstrations throughout
he state in cultivating alfalfa, far
ners are rather slow to adopt this
practice, and it seems be the
general belief that alfalfa does not