122 SUCCESSFUL FARMING 



much branched and old plants frequently give rise to as many as 200 

 stems. 



Distribution of Alfalfa. This plant is grown as a crop in every state 

 in the Union and most of the provinces of Canada. The map on the 

 preceding page gives the acres by states and provinces. 



Soil and Climatic Adaptation. Alfalfa is best adapted to a warm, dry 

 climate. In North America it is most extensively and successfully grown 

 under the semi-arid conditions that prevail in the western half of the United 

 States. More than two-thirds of the hay grown in New Mexico is alfalfa. 

 Over one-half of that grown in Colorado is alfalfa. Kansas produces more 

 than Nebraska, and Nebraska more than the Dakotas. The relative 

 production of alfalfa as compared with other forms of hay and forage 

 decreases as we proceed northward and eastward. Alfalfa has been culti- 

 vated so long that strains and varieties have been developed that are 

 adapted to a wide range of climate. For this reason it is extensively grown 

 in North America. It will withstand great heat and extreme cold in the 

 arid regions, but is more sensitive to such extremes in the humid regions, 

 and rarely succeeds in tropical or sub-tropical regions where the humidity 

 is high and rainfall abundant. 



It is adapted to a wide range of soils, growing well on loose, sandy 

 soils as well as upon heavy clays. It succeeds best on soils of medium 

 texture that are capable of deep penetration by roots and well supplied 

 with mineral plant foods. It will not succeed on soils closely underlaid 

 with hardpan, impervious rock or standing water. Neither will it thrive 

 on sour soils. 



Essentials for Success. In the western half of the United States there 

 are probably few localities where alfalfa will not succeed with the most 

 ordinary treatment. Its growth would be curtailed or possibly prevented 

 by the presence of too much alkali or by over-irrigation. In the eastern 

 half of the United States where conditions are less favorable, there are 

 certain essentials necessary to the success of this crop that must be carefully 

 considered. These are good drainage, freedom from weeds, absence of 

 acidity or presence of plenty of lime, a fair degree of organic matter in the 

 soil, thorough preparation of seed-bed, most favorable time of seeding, 

 inoculation of seed or seed-bed and the use of plenty of good seed. Added 

 to this will be the after treatment, such as time of cutting, care in pasturing, 

 cultivation and mulching. 



The treatment essential to success being so diverse and exacting, 

 farmers contemplating growing alfalfa are advised to first undertake it on 

 a small scale. There are a number of advantages in doing this, such as the 

 practical experience gained and the providing of inoculated soil. 



Varieties of Alfalfa. Thus far varieties and regional strains of alfalfa 

 have been relatively unimportant. At least 95 per cent of the alfalfa in 

 North America may be called ordinary alfalfa. A number of strains have 

 been introduced from time to time, some of which are superior for hardi- 



