596 '^' STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



As pasture for growing hogs, a good stand of alfalfa is unexcelled. 

 (Animal Husbandry Section, Michigan Experiment Station Pasture Experiments 191G.) 



WHY GROW ALFALFA. 



To get the largest yield of the best hay per acre. 

 To reduce feed bills. 



To increase production of meat and milk. 



To increase the humus and nitrogen content and to improve the condi- 

 tion of the soil. 



To eradicate Canada thistles and other weeds. 



HOW TO GROW ALFALFA. 



Plant only on well-drained fields. 

 Prepare seed bed thoroughly. 



^PPly ground limestone, marl, beet factory lime, or hydra ted lime. 

 Use acid phosphate or rock phosphate, and manure to increase yield. 

 Inoculate soil where alfalfa or sweet clover has not been grown suc- 

 cessfully. 



Plant hardy northern grown strains. 

 Cut for hay when shoots show at crown. 

 Wilt in swath and cure in windrows or cocks. 

 Harrow old stands after cutting to retard June grass. 



WHERE TO GROW ALFALFA. 



Where more leguminous hay is needed than clover will su[)ply. 

 On any Michigan soils which are 



Well drained ; 



Well supplied with lime ; 



Where June grass and quack grass are under control. 



WHERE NOT TO GROW ALFALFA. 



On poorly drained or seepy soils. 



On acid soils or soils needing lime. 



Where the cost of liming, draining and fertilizing is too great. 



Where June grass and quack grass are unsubdued. 



