Alfalfa in Kansas. 241 



TOTAL, FOUR YEARS. 



Fertilized . . . 

 Unfertilized . 



Difference . 



Value, 

 less cost of 

 fertilizer. 

 $81.93 

 73.19 



$8.74 



The result of this test, extending over a period of four years, shows 

 each season an increased yield of hay on the fertilized plat, and with the 

 exception of the first year the increase in the crop was more than suffi- 

 cient to pay for the cost of fertilizing. During the four years the un- 

 fertilized plat produced $73.19 worth of hay per acre, while the plat 

 fertilized produced $81.93 worth of hay, after paying the cost of fertiliz- 

 ing, leaving a difference of $8.74 per acre, as a total of the four years, 

 in favor of the fertilized plat. 



While paying returns have been obtained where phosphorus was used 

 as a fertilizer for alfalfa, it does not follow that any kind or brand of 

 fertilizer will pay. In this test other plats fertilized with materials 

 supplying potassium and nitrogen did not produce an increased yield suffi- 

 cient to pay the cost of fertilizing. From our present knowledge we 

 would advise for alfalfa, in this section of the state, the use of fertilizer 

 supplying phosphorus only. (See "Fertilizing," in index.) 



SCIENTIFIC HAY MAKING AND STORAGE. 



By R. KENNEY, Assistant Professor of Crops, Kansas State Agricultural College. 

 CUTTING THE CROP. 



During the first season of its growth the alfalfa plant is establishing 

 a deep root system which will furnish the food and moisture necessary 

 for the enormous quantities of hay removed during succeeding years. It 

 is of the greatest importance that all conditions shall be made favorable 

 for the development of this root system. It depends almost entirely on 

 the manufacture of suitable food in the green leaves and stems abov.e 

 ground, aided by sunshine. The green growing parts must be pro- 

 tected as much as possible, and any hay made the first season must be 

 cut and harvested at such a stage and in such a manner as will do the 

 least damage to young plants, irrespective of the quantity or quality of 

 hay obtained. The clipping should be delayed as long as possible without 

 letting weeds get too much start. On the other hand, no seed should be 

 allowed to form during the early growth of the plants, for seed forma- 

 tion requires much plant food which should go to the roots. They need 

 all they can get to penetrate deep into the soil and get ready for the 

 next year's work. 



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