240 FORAGE CROPS 



lai-ge amounts of mineral matter from the lower 

 layers of soil, being stored in the roots and stems, 

 will greatly improve the soil for subsequent crops. 



ALSIKE CLOVER 



Alsike clover is more perennial than red clover, 

 and can be left frequently for three to five years. 

 It is little affected by extreme seasons, and lands 

 on which other varieties do not grow may produce 

 an abundant harvest. It thrives on damp, moist 

 loams and clays, on lands too wet for other clovers. 

 It is very hardy, and not liable to be uprooted by 

 late frosts, which frequently injure the red clover. 



Alsike clover has a rather superficial root 

 system; therefore, the preparation of land should 

 be very thorough, and the surface layers well 

 enriched, particularly with the mineral elements. 

 Owing to its somewhat creeping habit, it is not 

 well adapted to seeding alone; as the stems lie 

 along the ground, without rooting, the remainder 

 of the stem ascending, in wet seasons it is liable 

 to lodge badly, and the lower stems to rot. 



Seeding alsike clover 



Alsike may be seeded with wheat or rye, in 

 the same w^ay as red clover. When used for 

 forage, the best time for seeding is in late 



