20 



SUMMARY. 



The results thus far reported are at first glance apparently quite 

 contradictory, particularly with respect to the tests made at the 

 State Experiment Stations. If these reports are analyzed closely, 

 however, it will be seen that the results are what might be expected 

 from our knowledge of the Turkestan alfalfa and the natural con- 

 ditions under which the variety has been developed. The reports 

 from the region west of the Mississippi River and north of Kansas 

 and CaUfornia indicate that this variety is hardier and more pro- 

 ductive than that commonly grown in this region. It seems to 

 endure drought better, ife not so easily affected by freezing, and gives 

 better results on strongly alkaline soils. In the East, however, 

 where there is a heavy rainfall and where heavy soils predominate, 

 this variety seems to be little, if any, superior to the French or 

 Chilean varieties ; in fact, it seems certain that, in some localities at 

 least, it is less valuable. In the South so few tests have been made 

 that no definite conclusions can be drawn, the reports from some 

 sections being favorable to the Turkestan alfalfa, while those from 

 others indicate that the commonly grown varieties are the most val- 

 uable. In the extreme Southwest the results are as yet quite contra- j. 

 dictory, and further experimentation is needed. ■I 



The seed of Turkestan alfalfa will germinate much quicker and 

 the plants start into growth earlier under the same conditions than 

 common alfalfa. The plants are more leafy, grow more rapidly, and 

 have a stronger, more vigorous root system. Another advantage 

 which the Turkestan variety has is that the stems are more slender 

 and less woody, the plants making a more nutritious hay of finer 

 quahty. That it will withstand drought under the same conditions 

 better than ordinary alfalfa seems certain from the reports of the 

 experimenters. In the West and Northwest, at least, it seems to be 

 more productive, both with and without irrigation. 



There is every indication that the introduction of this variety will 

 result in a very marked extension of the area devoted to the cultiva- 

 tion of alfalfa, and this, too, in sections where the forage problem is 

 one of paramount importance, and where heretofore climatic condi- 

 tions have largely prohibited the growing of leguminous forage crops. 



P. Beveridge Kennedy, Ph. D., 



Expert and Agent in Charge of Experimental Work. 



