SOWING ALFALFA 219 



the cause of failure. The depth may vary some- 

 what with the kind of soil, but in general, if 

 planted more than three inches deep, there is 

 danger that the germinating plant will not be able 

 to reach the surface. One-half to two inches are 

 about the extremes. 



Another point of importance, as already stated, 

 is that the soil should be packed around the seed. 

 Many failures to secure a stand of alfalfa are trace- 

 able to sowing the seed broadcast on new -plowed 

 ground, and then to harrow, mixing the seed 

 loosely with the surface soil, but not compacting 

 it thereafter by means of a roller. Under favor- 

 able conditions of soil and moisture the plant 

 might survive, but it is safer to compact the soil 

 and then go over it with a light harrow or weeder, 

 loosening the immediate surface. 



Subsequent treatment 



The growth of weeds in spring seedings should 

 be checked early by mowing, and as soon as the 

 weeds are large enough to be clipped. By slightly 

 raising the cutter-bar, the mowing machine can be 

 used. If the crop of clippings is not too heavy, it 

 may be left on the field and will serve as a mulch for 

 the dry weather. This destruction of weeds in the 

 early growth is very important, and frequent cutting 

 is helpful, also, in establishing the young plants. 



