576 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



inoculate, since if they are not present failure is almost certain. A small 

 area may be seeded and inoculated the first year, from which soil may he 

 secured for larger areas in following seasons. 



Seeding of alfalfa should best be done from the 10th to 20th of August, 

 though success may be had from seeding a few days later than this, pro- 

 vided that other conditions are favorable. The earlier seeding is, however, 

 to be preferred providing there is a sufficient amount of moisture in the 

 soil to germinate the seed. 



The seed should by all means be put in with a drill when this is at all 

 possible, and should be placed from % to 1% inches below the surface. In 

 order to get the most uniform stand it is often advisable to go over the 

 field twice, putting in one-half of the seed each time and crossing the field 

 the second time over. If it is impossible to secure a drill the seed may be 

 applied broadcast and harrowed in well, or even disked in. This may well 

 be done towards evening when any moisture in the surface soil will help to 

 secure germination. 



Only seed that is of the best quality should be used. Most seed companies 

 handle several grades, varying much in quality, purity and germination. 

 Samples and prices may well be secured from several seed companies, and 

 then the best selected. The college stands ready at all times to test free of 

 cost any samples of seed for impurities and germination. 



In order that farmers may know from personal experience something of 

 the possibilities of this crop, several of the larger seed companies have 

 offered, at the suggestion of the college, to supply at reduced prices enough 

 seed for one acre (20 lbs.). This seed will be furnished in these small 

 amounts at a little below the rate usually asked for it wiien ordered in 

 larger quantities. Any person ordering more than twenty pounds will pay 

 the regular market price for the balance. Farmers taking advantage of this 

 special offer should indicate this to the company from which ordered, to 

 insure that the desired quality of seed will be sent. This seed has been 

 examined by the college and is known to be the very best. 



CO-OPERATIVE TEST. 



The college is now planning to undertake a few more co-operative tests 

 this fall in certain sections of the state, in order more fully to represent 

 all soil and climatic conditions. An outline of this experiment and full 

 information regarding it will be sent upon request to those interested. 

 While all cannot be accommodated under this arrangement, the outline will 

 no doubt be helpful in indicating ways of determining the treatment 

 necessary for the best results, on any particular soil. 



