The Bulletin. 



39 



Preparation of Land. 



The soil should be plowed deeply several weeks before the seed are to 

 be sown so as to let the land settle into a good firm seed bed. Lime at 

 the rate of from 1,000 pounds per acre up to a ton of freshly burned 

 lime according to the requirements of the soil. If ground limestone is 

 used, twice this amount may be applied. Eight to ten tons of stable 

 manure per acre is also desirable, but in the absence of that substitute 



Fia. 24.— Roots of young alfalfa plants showing nodules. 

 U. S. Bulletin No. 214. 



800 pounds of raw ground bone and 200 pounds of muriate of potash, 

 broadcast and well harrowed in. 



Seeding and Inoculation. 



After the above preparations the land will be ready to seed. Usually 

 the best time to seed in the central or eastern part of the State is about 

 September 1st to 15th. But before seeding the field should be harrowed, 



