692 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



CARE OF THE ALFALFA FIELD 



When alfalfa is seeded in tlie spring it is tlie common practice to go 

 over the field several times during the summer with a mower, if nec- 

 essary, clipping the weeds so that they do not "smother" the young 

 plants. The sickle-bar should be set high, close cutting at this time often 

 kills the crop. 



No hay crop should be removed the first year unless an early seed- 

 ing on a very rich soil has produced an especially rapid growth and the 

 alfalfa has come into bloom by the last of August. It is usually con- 

 sidered safest to leave a good growth on the ground as a cover during the 

 winter. 



A few men report that they cut the last crop after the first fall frost, 

 the fields going into the v/inter practically bare, and yet apparently they 

 did not lose by doing so. On still other fields, however, portions cut late 

 in this manner were either seriously damaged or entirely lost by winter 

 killing. We, therefore, do not recommend this practice. 



Late summer seeded alfalfa needs no attention the first fall, the entire 

 growth being left as a winter cover. The following year the crop should 

 yield three or four good cuttings. 



CULTIVATING THE ALFALFA FIELD 



It has been repeatedly demonstrated that the thorough cultivation of 

 alfalfa is very beneficial. This is partly because many weeds which 

 otherwise compete for plant food and for moisture are destroyed, and 

 partly because this cultivation tends to conserve moisture. Some say 

 that cultivation is beneficial in splitting the crowns, thus forming two 

 plants from one and giving a better stand with a heavier and finer 

 growth of hay. 



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VT 



Fig-. 2 6. — Spring tooth harrow — one of the most valuable all around 

 implements on the farm, and a most excellent alfalfa cultivator and 

 renovator. 



