TENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART X 505 



disking should be shallow the first years and the angles of the pitch 

 should be such as not to turn the soil. It may, therefore, be necessary to 

 weigh it down so that it will penetrate the soil to a depth of two inches. 

 Good results have been obtained by disking the second and third years 

 early in the spring or after the removal of the first crop. As long as the 

 plants are under three years a single disking is sufficient every year how- 

 ever, following this, two cultivations are preferred. The smoothing har- 

 row should follow the disc in order to level the field again. 



Alfalfa does not spread nor cover the ground after the stand becomes 

 thinner, as grasses or clovers. Whenever a plant dies, such a place is 

 left vacant, and either weeds make their appearance or the surrounding 

 plants grow with increased strength and vigor to utilize the empty space. 

 In such instances disking has good effects in cutting out the weeds and 

 splitting the alfalfa crowns. One root stalk with only a few branches 

 can be made to throw out many more, and the hay crop will not be ap- 

 preciably decreased. 



The common disc harrow is widely used for cutting up an alfalfa 

 field; however, another implement seems to be more beneficial and satisfac- 

 tory. This new tool, instead of having continuous edge discs, has strong 

 sharp teeth from the axle of the disc, which do not cut, but dig and tear 

 loose the soil. There is no danger of cutting off any alfalfa plants, but 

 on the other hand, it is not so apt to split the crowns. 



It seems best to cultivate as soon as moisture conditions in the spring 

 will permit, or after the first cutting of hay. If a single cultivation does 

 not loosen up the soil sufficiently, a second treatment should be given. 

 The cultivation may be both lengthwise, with the disc lapping one-half 

 or tlie second disking may be done crosswise. The latter treatment, if 

 not well harrowed, has a tendency to leave the soil thrown in little 

 blocks, yet a good harrowing or dragging will level the field. It is impor- 

 tant that the harrownig should be thorough with either method of 

 soil treatment. A single stirring of the surface may be sufficient during 

 one year, although another can be given with profit, depending of course 

 upon the condition of the field. Ofttimes it may be found that a good 

 harrowing after the second crop is removed will be all that is required. 



HARNTSTIXG. 



There are a few localities where it is almost impossible to harvest al- 

 falfa unless some of it is injured by rains. In fact, some good farmers 

 say they will not grow it because of this. However, another grower has 

 said that he never lost a crop in eight years' experience of alfalfa grow- 

 ing. These men are both living in the eastern part of South Dakota. The 

 grower must plan his spring and summer work with reference to taking 

 care of the hay crop. 



The best time to cut alfalfa is when about one-tenth of the blooms are 

 out, or if an examination is made at the "base of the stalk new shoots are 

 seen to make their appearance. Many times it is even practical to cut 

 the first crop a few days earlier, especially if a large acreage is to be 

 harvested. Time is one of the controlling factors in taking care of the 

 hay. So that it is necessary for the grower to exercise judicious planning 

 so as to utilize his time to better advantage. 



