592 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



nitrogen, but for greatest success and in order to benefit the soil, thorough 

 inoculation is necessary. 



The most convenient way of insuring the presence of these bacteria in 

 soils from which they are probably absent is the culture method. Small 

 bottles of pure culture for alfalfa inoculation can he secured from the 

 Department of Bacteriology, Michigan Agricultiiral College at tiventy- 

 five cents per hottle. One bottle is sufficient for a bushel of seed. In 

 ordering, mention the date when you desire to make your seeding and 

 fresh culture will be forwarded for that date. Directions for use ac- 

 company the bottle. 



Another method, possibly more effective though not as convenient, is 

 the soil inoculation method. Soil is taken from a field of thrifty, well- 

 inoculated alfalfa or sweet clover from a layer just beneath the surface 

 to a depth of four inches. It is best to shovel aside about one inch of sur- 

 face and take for use a layer from one to four inches in depth. This 

 soil should not be exposed to sunlight, and if somewhat wet, may be 

 put in condition by spreading out to dry in a cellar, on a barn floor, 

 . or in a shaded room where sunlight will not injure the bacteria. When 

 in condition, this should be spread broadcast or applied through fertilizer 

 attachment or drill in the evening, or on a rainy or dark day, following 

 immediately with harrow to cover the newly applied soil, unless a gentle 

 rain should follow, or it may be applied at time of seeding through the 

 fertilizer attachment. Applied through fertilizer attachment several 

 hundred pounds per acre of inoculated soil is sufficient. To secure even 

 distribution by broadcasting, a wagon load or more is needed. 



Once a field is successfully inoculated, it appears that inoculation will 

 remain for many years provided soil conditions remain favorable. How- 

 ever, in view of the ease of inoculating it is advisable to make sure and 

 to inoculate the seed or soil when planting on soil which has not grown 

 alfalfa successfully, or not for a long period. 



THE CARE OF ALFALFA MEADOWS. 



During the first season, in the case of spring or early summer planted 

 alfalfa, the growth of pigeon grass and weeds may be sufficient to war- 

 rant clipping. In this case the mower bar should be set high, six or 

 eight inches, so as to clip as little of the alfalfa as possible, and the 

 clippings allowed to lie on the ground. It is seldom that sufficient growth 

 is made to warrant making a hay crop the first season. If a growth of 

 a foot or more is secured it is advisable to clip in late summer with the 

 mower bar set high allowing the clippings to lie on the ground. Clip- 

 ping is also advisable when leaf spot, a fungous disease of alfalfa, causes 

 the leaves to turn decidedly yellow and begin to drop. Pasturing should 

 not be permitted during the first season. On areas of the field which 

 are particularly exposed, or where winter-killing is likely due to poor 

 drainage or lack of organic matter the application of light dressings of 

 well rotted manure, three or four tons per acre, in late fall or early 

 winter will aid in preventing heaving and winter killing. A heavy ap- 



