Alfalfa for New York 1371 



While alfalfa hay has almost the same analysis as bran, yet it is not so 

 digestible, being much coarser. With bran valued at $22.50 per ton, 

 alfalfa would be worth $16.50 per ton, according to feeding experiments 

 conducted at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. 



THE alfalfa family 



Alfalfa is related, in a botanical sense, to both red clover and sweet 

 clover, being one of that large group of leguminous plants with three- 

 parted leaves known as Trijolieae. 



In the Medicago genus, to which alfalfa belongs — so called because 

 alfalfa was originally supposed to have come from Media — there are 

 at least fifty species. Those most commonly found in cultivation are 

 the common alfalfa (M. sativa) , burr clover {M. denticulata) , black medick 

 (M. lupulina), yellow alfalfa {M. falcata). and sand lucem (M. media); 

 the common alfalfa {M. sativa) , however, is the only one of the family in 

 extensive cultivation. 



Varieties 



Of common alfalfa there are four principal varieties: (a) Peruvian, 

 a tall, coarse-stemmed variety, adapted only to warm climates; (b) common 

 alfalfa, adaptable under favorable conditions as far north as northern 

 New York; (c) Turkestan alfalfa, and (d) Grimm alfalfa, two similar 

 varieties that will grow in somewhat colder and drier regions than will 

 common alfalfa. 



In New York State common alfalfa is the variety principally grown. 

 The Turkestan and Grimm varieties, while more resistant to cold, are 

 less productive, and should be tried only in the colder and more exposed 

 localities. 



soil requirements for alfalfa 



The best alfalfa soils are medium to heavy in texture, with porous 

 subsoil. At one time it was thought that alfalfa was adapted only to 

 deep soils with porous subsoil, so that the roots might penetrate easily 

 to a depth of several feet; at present, however, alfalfa is grown in every 

 State, on practically every type of productive soil except those that are 

 acid. On very heavy soils or on those with a hardpan subsoil, while alfalfa 

 often will grow very well, it is much more likely to winterkill; and on 

 some of the hardpan soils of New York, alfalfa culture is uncertain because 

 of winterkilling. 



Tile drainage on these heavy soils not only improves the yield, but also 

 increases the ability to withstand winter freezing. In fact, alfalfa will 

 winterkill on even the best land if it is not properly drained. It is particu- 

 larly sensitive to standing water during the winter months. In general, 



