3l8 THE BOOK OF ALFALFA 



three acres of clover, nine acres of timothy or 12 of 

 Brome grass. In this experiment four cuttings of alfalfa 

 were secured, two cuttings of clover and one cutting each 

 of timothy and Brome grass. Alfalfa seed should have 

 its viability tested before the seed is purchased. Seed 

 that does not give a germination test of 90 per cent or 

 above should be rejected. We advise selecting high, well- 

 drained land inclined to be rolling. A clay loam on a 

 gravelly subsoil is best suited for growths of alfalfa. Sow 

 in spring as soon as ground works well, putting on about 

 twice the cultivation necessary for cereal crops. Where 

 land is inclined to be weedy, sow three pecks of barley per 

 acre as a nurse crop. If ground is free from weeds, sow 

 alfalfa seed without nurse crop, using at least 20 pounds 

 of seed per acre. Several hundred members of the Wis- 

 consin experiment association have been carrying on tests 

 with alfalfa since 1903, and practically all have succeeded 

 in getting good fields started. Bacteria-laden soil has 

 been shipped to members of the experiment association, 

 who are making tests, with directions for scattering on 

 a small plot, in order to get the proper bacteria estab- 

 lished in the soil. The sowing of some alfalfa seed with 

 clover for the purpose of getting a few alfalfa plants 

 established as bacteria distributers has been followed with 

 good success. These lands when later sown to alfalfa 

 result in good catches. Alfalfa should be cut when one- 

 tenth is in blossom, and not later than the first week in 

 September. We look for greatly increased acreage from 

 year to year as our farmers learn the value of this great 

 forage plant. 



