ALFALFA 



A Report of Progress 



In Bulletin 221, "Alfalfa in New York," issued by this Experiment 

 Station in July, 1904, is discussed the effect of the unusually severe winter 

 of 1903-4 on the alfalfa fields of the State. Suggestions as to the 

 methods to pursue in attempting to grow the crop are presented. During 

 the nearly two seasons that have passed since Bulletin 221 was prepared, 

 studies of the crop have been continued, both on the College farm and by 

 means of cooperative experiments and observations throughout the State. 

 While many of the problems on which light is needed have not been 

 solved, it is believed that the work accomplished affords enough sugges- 

 tions that will be helpful to those interested in alfalfa growing to warrant 

 this further report of progress. 



I. Co-operative Tests 



Two lines of effort have been undertaken in the study of practical 

 alfalfa problems: Cooperative tests or experiments with farmers in 

 several parts of the State; field tests oil the College farms at Ithaca. We 

 will first consider the cooperative tests. 



I. Soils for alfalfa 



The data secured during the past two seasons serves in the main but 

 to emphasize the importance of the suggestions made in the former 

 bulletin as to suitable soils ; their thorough preparation ; an abundant 

 supply of available plant food (especially in the form of stable manure) ; 

 freedom from weeds ; good, pure seed ; dressing with lime in most cases ; 

 and inoculation with the proper nitrogen-gathering bacteria. 



Our observations and experience are not yet sufficiently extensive to 

 enable us to define with exactness the types and grades of soils on which 

 alfalfa may be successfully grown in the State of New York. It is 

 well understood that the loamy soils with porous subsoils are generally 

 favorable to the crop and it is probable that all soils coming into this class 

 will produce alfalfa successfully if skillfully managed. On the other 

 hand, it is known that soils having an impervious subsoil (especially 

 "hardpan") are unfavorable and it is probable that we will never be 

 able to secure satisfactory results on such soils. There are large areas 

 in the State, intermediate in character between these two, in regard to 



