688 



IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



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Fig. i»3. — A perfect stand was secured in August, but as there was 

 not siifEicient time after plowing to get the weed seed germinated before 

 seeding, the alfalfa was weakened, and in places killed by weeds. 



Reports regarding the time and methods of seeding used, and the re- 

 sults secured under various conditions, have been secured from a num- 

 ber of growers; but since all did not give information on the same 

 phases of the subject it has been impossible to use many of these in 

 considering certain operations. 



Of 43 men who reported seeding in the spring, 27 indicated whether or 

 not a nurse crop was used. Of the 20 seedings made with a nurse crop, 

 80 per cent were successful as compared with 71 per cent successful when 

 seeded without a nurse crop. 



TABLE XIX. 

 Seedings "With and Without a Nurse Crop. 



The main advantages in spring seeding where this is satisfactory, are 

 first, that less labor is required and second, that there is a greater likeli- 

 hood of plenty of moisture. The chief disadvantage is that the weeds are 

 sure to be more or less troublesome by crowding and smothering the 

 alfalfa. 



The yield of hay the first season cut is no larger from spring seeded than 

 from late summer seeded alfalfa. While in certain sections of the state 



