210 FORAGE CROPS 



it had been introduced into New York from 

 Europe. It is now regarded as one of the most 

 important forage-crop plants in those states where 

 irrigation is practiced. About fifteen years ago, it 

 was found tliat it could be successfully established 

 in those states where there is shortage of rainfall, 

 but where irrigation is not j^racticed, as, for ex- 

 ample, in Kansas, in which state the area in 

 alfalfa has rapidly increased and where it is now 

 regarded as one of the most important forage 

 crops. It has also been the subject of experiment 

 in many of the eastern and middle states, notably 

 New York, New Jersey and Maryland, and the 

 results secured in recent years show that with 

 proper care in the preparation of the land for 

 seeding, and in subsequent management, it may 

 be profitably grown. In many parts of the eastern 

 states it is now an established forage crop. 



Once well established the plant will last a num- 

 ber of years, from four to ten or more, depending 

 on the character of the land, the treatment in ref- 

 erence to manuring, methods of cutting, and free- 

 dom from weeds and grass. The annual upright, 

 branching stems do not sprout when cut, but die 

 back to the crown, when new shoots start and 

 grow rapidly. The roots extend much deeper than 

 those of most plants, sometimes reaching a depth 

 of twelve feet or more, under favorable conditions. 

 For this reason alfalfa should not be grown per- 



