36 



where the drills were about 24 inches apart and no cul- 

 tivation given, crab grass and weeds crowded the al- 

 falfa more than in the portion of the field sown broad- 

 cast. 



However, for a small patch of alfalfa kept for feed- 

 ing green, drilling and cultivation may be necessary 

 and feasible, especially on highl3' fertilized sand}^ soils 

 filled with the seeds of crab grass and weeds. Planting 

 in vei*3^ narrow drills by the use of grain drills is a 

 favorite method in alfalfa-growiug states. This of 

 course does not permit of cultivation. 



SOWING. 



Most of the successful growers of alfalfa in Alabama 

 have used about 20 pounds of seed per acre, and this is 

 the amount that has invariably been used on the station 

 farm at Auburn. Capt. John C. Webb uses 40 pounds 

 The excellent stand obtained in 1903 at the Canebrake 

 station resulted from sowing a little more than 20 

 pounds per acre. One grower in Alabama reports the 

 use of 30 pounds, or half a bushel of seed. Yet this 

 grower is one who most emphasizes the presence of large 

 amounts of crab grass and fox tail grass, indicating 

 that sowing large amounts of seed is not always effect- 

 ive in crowding out weeds, though it has that tendency. 



If ten or more acres are to be sown, it is best to use 

 one of the ordinary patterns of seed sowers instead of 

 sowing by hand. The Cahoou is the one used at this 

 station, and this seems to be in most general use in this 

 State. One grower makes use of the seed attachment to 

 the disc grain drill, a method which is common and 

 satisfactory in states where this machine is in general 

 use. When alfalfa seed are sown by hand, the most 

 even distribution is obtained by dividing the seed into 

 two parts and going over the land twi'ce. 



