LEGUMES 113 



quality of hay. It is superior to red clover for renewing or- 

 ganic matter in depleted soils and less exacting in its require- 

 ments for good growth. 



Sweet clover is not relished by farm animals, at least not 

 until they are forced to acquire a taste for it. It may be used 

 for hay or for grazing in emergencies due to shortage of other 

 forage crops. Its chief value is its hardiness and ability to 

 grow under unfavorable conditions. Its most important 

 general use is to build soils, being especially useful on eroded 

 surfaces or on so-called worn-out soils. 



Japan clover (Lespedeza) is an annual clover that readily 

 seeds itself. It is grown in most of the Southern States in 

 pastures for grazing purposes. On account of its light yield 

 it is not often used as a hay crop. 



Alfalfa. Alfalfa is a superior forage plant because of 

 its high feeding value and large yield. As compared with 

 red clover it contains 9 per cent more digestible dry matter 

 and 4.6 per cent more digestible protein, and yields about 

 twice as much green forage. As a soil builder it is also superior. 

 It has a heavier and deeper root system than clover, making it 

 possible for it to reach and use plant food at a great 

 depth. 



It will grow on a wide range of soils if conditions are favor- 

 able, These conditions are good drainage, sufficient lime, 

 and presence of organic matter. All three of these conditions 

 must be met for success in growing alfalfa. 



Two methods are employed in getting a stand of alfalfa. 

 Both require a well prepared seed bed deeply plowed, well 

 firmed and finely surfaced, a*- and for most soils, inocula- 

 tion. One method 'for getting a stand is spring seeding with 

 a light nurse crop. The difficulty with this method lies in 

 the control of weeds. They are not always kept down, by. the 



