EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 585 



tvho tv-ish to grow alfalfa to understand the requirements of this crop 

 and make proper preparations "before seeding. 



Increase in the production of alfalfa will be largely in proportion to 

 the spread of accurate information regarding the proper handling of this 

 crop.' An increased alfalfa acreage will insure the production and in- 

 crease the yield of leguminous hay so necessary in feeding economically. 



LESSONS FROM ALFALFA GROWERS. 



A study of the methods followed by those who have succeeded with 

 alfalfa establishes the fact that the successful growers have seeded on 

 sufficiently well-drained land, properly inoculated, have applied lime in 

 some form in sufficient quantity or have planted on land high in calcium 

 carbonate (lime) and have seeded hardy varieties. 



In the case of those who have failed, inquiry will bring out the fact 

 that no lime was used, or an insufficient amount, inoculation neglected, 

 soil improperly prepared, inferior or unadapted seed planted, or that 

 exceptionally adverse weather conditions prevailed after planting, or 

 poorly drained soils were selected to receive this deep-rooted crop. 



Those who will inform themselves thoroughly concerning alfalfa, and 

 make the necessary preparation may hope to secure returns approaching 

 the claims of the alfalfa enthusiast but it is equally true that to neglect 

 any of the essential points in alfalfa produclion invites disaster. 



SOIL FOR ALFALFA. 



The best fields of alfalfa in Michigan are located on well-drained fertile 

 loams and clay loams, though many excellent fields may be found on light 

 sandy and gravelly soils. Oood drainage is of the utmost importance, 

 and equally important is the calcium carbonate content. On very heavy 

 soils and muck soils alfalfa often heaves badly during the winter, and 

 unless tile-drained, good stands cannot be retained on these soils. 



Only soils which contain limestone pebbles, or which are known to 

 be high in lime may be safely seeded to alfalfa without liming. While 

 fields of a smooth contour are best adapted from a hay-making stand- 

 point, one of the advantages of alfalfa is that good returns can often be 

 secured from rough land. It is difficult to get a stand on soils deficient 

 in organic matter and the growing of green manure crops or application 

 of a dressing of manure may be necessary. Once established, alfalfa will 

 grow vigorously under such conditions much to the improvement of the 

 land. 



