Corn Groivers' Association. Ill 



iiig the acidity of the soil but only in this way. Lime is not a con- 

 trolling factor in alfalfa growing in Missouri as in some states. 



These experiments have shown that some soils of Missouri 

 are much better adapted to growing alfalfa than others. In somd 

 sections it is a profitable crop to grow without an application of 

 manure or fertilization. In others an application of manure and 

 bone meal have been found beneficial while in still others manure is 

 essential to its successful production. This is due to the fact that 

 some soils are naturally much more fertile than others and some 

 that were once fertile have been run down by continuous crop- 

 ping for a number of years. 



ALFALFA SOILS. 



Alfalfa is best adapted to a deep, loose, fertile and well 

 drained soil. Probably the best soil in the State for alfalfa is 

 the land which has from 12 to 15 inches of rich black sandy loam, 

 preferable bottom soil, underlain with a layer of sand. Such soils 

 occur along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers and it is on this 

 soil that alfalfa reaches its highest development in Missouri. This 

 land produces in favorable seasons from four to five cuttings, 

 averaging from 1 to IV2 tons per acre to the cutting. A good 

 stand is readily obtained in these sections with no soil treatment 

 other than good preparation of the seed bed. 



The next best alfalfa soils in Missouri are the heavier bottom 

 soils along the creeks and rivers within the State. These soils, 

 v/hile fertile, are hardly so well drained as those underlain with 

 • sand, hence hardly so well adapted to alfalfa. However, where 

 well drained, alfalfa is grown on these soils without manuring or 

 fertilization. 



The loess soil which comprises the river hills along the Mis- 

 souri and Mississippi rivers is also well adapted to alfalfa. This 

 soil is fertile, deep and well drained and usually contains a suf- 

 ficient amount of nitrogen to produce good crops without the use 

 of manure. This is the best upland soil in the State for alfalfa, 

 and experiments in Andrew, Holt and Saline counties indicate 

 that in most instances manure is not needed. The loess soil, how- 

 ever, does not generally contain the nitrogen-gathering bacteria 

 and responds readily to inoculation. 



The next best alfalfa soil in Missouri comprises the prairies of 

 the northwest part of the State. Our experiments indicate that 

 most of the soils respond to an application of manure, which, 



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