Upon the fertility and physical condition of the surface soil the success of the 

 crop during the first year largely depends, while the state of the subsoil in great 

 measure, is responsible for its welfare in succeeding years. 



INOCULATION. 



It is a well-known fact that crops such as alfalfa, clover, peas, beans, vetches, 

 and others of the same sub-order of the Legumes thrive best only when certain 

 bacteria are present in the soil in which they are grown. These bacteria form 

 enlargements or nodules on the plant-roots, and make use of the free nitrogen of 

 the air, transferring it to the plants. Each of these legumes appears to require 

 bacteria peculiarly suited to itself, though the idea is advanced that certain closely 

 related groups of this sub-order, including cultivated plants and weeds, possess 

 bacteria which adapt themselves to different plants within these groups. ' If nitrogen 

 be well supplied in a soil, alfalfa, for a time, may grow fairly well .without this 

 bacterial assistance, but its presence undoubtedly increases .both the quantity and 

 quality of the crop, and ultimately must be secured. In most cases, therefore, where 

 alfalfa is sown for the first time, inoculation by some artificial means is necessary 

 to secure good plant-development. 



The surest and most practical method is, before sowing the seed, to scatter 

 broadcast over the seed-bed, and harrow in, soil from the surface foot of an old 

 alfalfa-field. About 200 Ib. of soil per acre should be used, and care taken to obtain 

 it from a clean spot to prevent the introduction of weed-seeds. Avoid exposing this 

 soil to the direct sunlight before scattering and harrowing it in, as such exposure 

 is detrimental to the bacteria. 



Inoculation may be effected by mixing and drilling in with the seed a quantity 

 of dry soil, rich in the required germs, and this way is recommended by some 

 stations, as it offers a vehicle for the small amount of seed used, ensuring thorough 

 distribution. Pure cultures of the bacteria sent out by agricultural stations may be 

 used, but they cannot be said to have given quite as good results as the inoculated 

 soil. Where this is not available, however, the cultures prove of immense value. 

 Immediately after inoculation the seeding should take place. 



SEED AND SOWING. 



The quality of the seed is of vital importance. It should be large, uniform, 

 bright, of good vitality, and free from impurities. Brown and discoloured seeds 

 should be avoided ; they are usually dead. ' It is wise to secure a sample before the 

 bulk of the seed is purchased, to test its germinating quality by placing a number 

 of the seeds between sheets of moist blotting-paper and keeping them warm. The 

 percentage of poor seed can be estimated as germination occurs, and should not be 

 over 10 per cent. From 16 to 20 Ib. of seed per acre will be found suitable. The 

 seed may be broadcasted and harrowed in, but a far more even and vigorous strand 

 will be secured by drilling. 



If a nurse crop be used, the alfalfa-seed can be put into the grass-seed attach- 

 ment and dropped ahead. A nurse crop for alfalfa in British Columbia is of doubt- 

 ful benefit, especially in the drier non-irrigated sections. If used, it should be either 

 of wheat or barley, or a mixture of both sown quite thinly, not much more than one 

 bushel per acre being used. Oats have a greater tendency to smother the young 

 alfalfa-plants. 



Without a nurse crop, the drill set fairly shallow with the sprouts pointing 

 backwards is probably best. It is not advisable to place the seed at a depth of 

 more than an inch and a half. If difficulty is experienced in adjusting the drill to 

 small amounts, mixing the seed with twice its bulk of meal of some kind will assist. 

 It will be found that drilling in half of the seed at a time, crosswise, will give a 

 more even and a better catch. Roll the ground after seeding, and harrow lightly. 

 A brush harrow is very good for this purpose. 



