Alfalfa in Kansas. 



273 



spring, and then the ground should be double-disked. It will be well 

 to wait a while for more weeds to start, after which plow the ground 

 from six to eight inches deep, depending on the amount of moisture 

 present. Then work the soil down to a good, firm seed bed, taking care 

 always to keep it rough enough so that soil blowing will not occur. 



SEEDING. 



One may be successful in getting a stand of alfalfa by either early or 

 late seeding, but for average conditions the last of May or first of June 

 will be a desirable time to seed. This will give opportunity to destroy 

 weeds and get the soil worked down to a good, firm seed bed. Grass- 

 hoppers at this time will not give as much trouble as with later seeding. 

 The grain drill, lister and garden drill have all been used with success, 

 so it would probably be best to use whichever tool one may happen to 



FIG. 213. Rows thirty-six inches apart can be cultivated satisfactorily. 

 [Courtesy North Dakota Experiment Station.] 



have. With most grain drills it will be advisable to mix bran with the 

 alfalfa seed in about the proportion of two parts bran to one of alfalfa 

 seed. By this means you will be able to get the seed sufficiently thin. 

 If the lister is to be used it is best to drill special holes, not larger than 

 one-fourth inch, in a blank plate. 



Rows thirty-six inches apart can be cultivated satisfactorily and will 

 usually give the best results. 



Two pounds of good seed per acre is sufficient for a good stand, and 

 with favorable weather it is possible to get a stand with a smaller amount. 

 The seed should be covered about one-half inch deep and the soil left 

 as nearly level as possible to avoid covering of the young plants by 

 dashing rains. Heavy, dashing rains often cover up the young plants or 



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