ALFALFA 123 



ness. Aside from the common or ordinary alfalfa, Turkestan, Arabian, 

 Peruvian and Grimm are of some importance. The common or ordinary 

 alfalfa is that generally grown in North America, Europe, Argentine and 

 Australia. , 



Turkestan alfalfa closely resembles ordinary alfalfa, and neither plant 

 nor seed can be easily distinguished from it. It is thought to be a little 

 more drought and cold resistant than ordinary alfalfa, but is inferior to the 

 ordinary alfalfa for the eastern half of the United States. 



Arabian alfalfa may be recognized by its hairiness, large leaflets, rapid 

 growth and short life. It begins growth and continues to grow at a some- 

 what lower temperature than common alfalfa. 



Peruvian alfalfa may be recognized by its somewhat bluish appearance, 

 coarse, erect stems and large leaflets. 



Grimm alfalfa, brought to this country from Germany, has been culti- 

 vated here for a long time, and through elimination of the less hardy plants 

 has become adapted to severe climatic conditions. It is, therefore, recom- 

 mended for the Northern states. It is claimed to resist severe pasturing 

 better than ordinary alfalfa, and is thought to be somewhat more drought 

 resistant. The seed is higher priced than that of the ordinary alfalfa. 



Sources of Seed. Best results are usually secured by the use of locally 

 grown seed. In the eastern half of the country, very little seed is produced, 

 and imported seed must be relied upon. It is, therefore, advisable to secure 

 seed from approximately the same latitude or preferably somewhat north 

 of the latitude in which it is to be used. Nebraska-grown seed is good for 

 Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Kansas-grown seed is generally a little cheaper 

 and will be good for Missouri and southern Illinois. Dakota seed will be 

 higher priced, but should be used in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan. 



Alfalfa seed varies in purity, germination and price. It is, therefore, 

 wise to -secure samples from several sources before purchasing. These 

 should be examined for impurities and tested for germination as a basis 

 for calculating which will be the cheapest. None but first-class seed, 

 free from noxious weed seeds and showing good germination, should 

 be used. 



A pound of alfalfa contains about 220,000 seeds. If evenly sown on 

 an acre these would average over five seeds to the square foot. Alfalfa 

 fields one year old rarely contain more than twenty plants to the square 

 foot, and older fields usually have less than ten. It is evident from this 

 that a large percentage of the seeds sown fail to produce plants. It is very 

 important that a full stand be secured on all parts of the field. Vacant 

 spots give an opportunity for grass and weeds to start, and these encroach 

 upon the alfalfa. 



The percentage of hard seeds in some lots runs very high and necessi- 

 tates treating the seed to increase its germination. Hard seeds are treated 

 with a mechanical device through which they are passed with much force, 

 and the hard coats are weakened by striking against a hard, rough surface. 



