10 EXPERBIEXT STATION. [Jan. 



ALFALFA CO-OPERATIVE EXPEREMENTS. 



WM. P. BROOKS AND H. J. BAKER. 



In the late summer of 1910 a number of farmers agreed to 

 co-operate with the experiment station in determining the pos- 

 sible success of growing alfalfa in this State. The experiments 

 have been made in 10 different counties. Northern grown 

 seed treated with " Farmogerm " for inoculation with nitrogen- 

 fixing bacteria was used. The following directions, which are 

 believed to give a satisfactory method of preparing for the 

 crop, were sent to all those taking part in the experiment : — 



1. Plow in spring just as soon as possible after the ground can be 

 worked, 



2. Apply lime at the rate of about IV2 tons to the acre and disk in 

 at once. 



3. About ten days later apply the following mixture per acre: basic 

 slag meal, 1,500 pounds, high-grade sulfate of potash, 400 to 500 

 pounds, and disk in. 



4. Thereafter harrow about once in ten to twelve days, until you are 

 ready to sow the seed, which should not be later than about July 27. 



5. When ready to sow the seed, apply per acre: nitrate of soda, 100 

 pounds, basic slag meal, 300 pounds, mixing them and harrowing in 

 lightly. 



6. Sow 30 pounds of seed per acre, in showery weather if possible, 

 and cover as you would grass seed. 



The fall months were exceedingly dry and, therefore, some- 

 what unfavorable ; but in most cases the crop made an excel- 

 lent start and was in good condition before winter began, 

 having made sufficient growth to afford the needed protection. 

 The winter was a rather hard one for alfalfa. In the spring 

 circular letters were sent to the growers asking for information 

 relative to the condition of the crop. Most of the growers sent 

 in a very favorable report. The crop had winter killed to some 



