470 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



The results of the experiments as a whole indicate that good stands of 

 alfalfa may be secured on almost any of the soils of the State, though the 

 more open soils seem to be preferable. They also indicate that inoculation 

 of the soil is desirable and, in most cases, necessary. As to the best time to 

 sow alfalfa, the experiments are inconclusive unless they be taken to indicate 

 that a good stand can be secured at almost any time from early April to 

 June. The experiments also seem to indicate that there is still room for 

 argument as to whether or not a nurse crop should be used, though on the 

 whole the chances seem in favor of sowing the alfalfa alone. 



SUMMARY OF OTHER REPORTS. 



In addition to the results of the experiments under the direction of the 

 station, a number of valuable reports from farmers growing alfalfa in various 

 parts of the State were secured. Report blanks with numerous questions 

 were sent out to all growers of the crop in the State who could be located and 

 thirty -eight complete reports were received. Of these, thirty-two reported 

 the crop a success. Of the failures reported, two were attributed to lack of 

 inoculation, one to winter killing, one to careless pasturing, one to poor 

 drainage and one to drought after seeding. In reply to the question: What 

 are the causes of failure? Fourteen replied, weeds; six, no occulation; eight, 

 poor drainage; four, early pasturing; and three, drought after seeding. Good 

 stands were reported on all kinds of soil, from light sands to the heaviest 

 clays. In the majority of cases the seeding was done in April or early in 

 May. About sixty-five per cent of the fields were seeded without a nurse 

 crop. The treatment during the first season was in nearly all cases clipping 

 at intervals to check weed growth. Only two growers gave their fields any 

 treatment, except mowing, after the first season. In one case discing is 

 practiced in spring and early fall and in the other after each cutting for hay, 

 when the ground is dry. Both these farmers are extensive and very success- 

 ful growers of alfalfa. In the majority of the cases reported the number of 

 cuttings, per season, for hay is three and the average yield of dry hay per 

 season is three and one-half to four tons, while three of the largest growers 

 report averages of about five tons per season. In all cases, except one, 

 where pasturing was practiced satisfactory results were reported. 



The reports summarized above cover an aggregate of two hundred sixty 

 acres of alfalfa, standing at the time the reports werp made, and the great 

 majority of the growers expressed themselves as highly satisfied with the 

 crop. 



SOIL AND SITUATION FOR ALFALFA. 



The beginner in Alfalfa culture should be careful to select a piece of 

 ground that is well suited as a home for the crop. It will do best on deep 

 loams with rather open subsoils and deep, natural drainage. Numerous 

 reports show that good results can be secured on almost any fertile soil, 

 provided that it has good drainage. Where natural drainage is imperfect, 

 deep, artificial underdrainage may, to a large extent, take iti place. Good 

 drainage is absolutely necessary for alfalfa, because, for its best develop- 

 ment, the roots must be permitted to penetrate deeply into the soil. It will 



