240 



ELEMENTS OF AGRICULTURE 



Apply fertilizers early in the spring, as shown in the diagram. The 

 fertilizers for each plot are weighed out and mixed together, then sown 

 broadcast by hand. These applications are much higher in nitrogen 

 than those commonly used on other crops than hay. Make notes on 

 the growth of hay throughout the season. 



When the hay is ready to cut, run a binder twine from stake to 

 stake to keep the plots separate, mow each plot with a scythe. Loop 

 up the hay with a rope and weigh with a spring balance. Fill out the 

 following table: 



For method of making calculations see page 149. 

 A similar experiment is outlined for corn, cotton, or potatoes on 

 page 152. 



68. To Determine the Best Method of Growing Alfalfa for Regions 

 East of the Missouri River. 



Materials. Six-tenths of an acre of land, 12 stakes, 6 bushels of 

 lime, 15 pounds (one-fourth bushel) of alfalfa seed, soil from an alfalfa 



field, or from a place where 

 sweet clover grows. Plots as 

 small as one square rod may 

 be used. In this case, only one- 

 sixteenth as much land and 

 materials are needed. 



Unless the land selected is 

 very rich, manure should be 

 applied to all the plots at the 

 rate of about ten loads per 

 acre, or six loads for this area. 

 Plow the land early in the 

 spring. 



Lay off a plot 8 by 12 rods 

 and drive a stake every 4 rods, 

 as in the figure. 



