LAND FOB ALFALFA 211 



manently in orchards, as its deep roots are liable to 

 injure those of the trees. It is often able to adapt 

 itself, however, to soils in which the roots cannot 

 extend very deep. 



Land, and its preparation 



Alfalfa grows well on varying kinds of land, 

 providing the subsoil is open and porous. The 

 most favorable land is a rich, somewhat sandy 

 loam, warm and friable, with a deep and loose or 

 gravelly subsoil, well supplied with lime. A dense 

 clay or hardpan subsoil is most unfavorable. Al- 

 though rich land is preferable, alfalfa does well on 

 poor, well-drained gravelly soils if well provided 

 with the mineral elements, as phosphoric acid, 

 potash and lime. While the plant requires much 

 water, it will not flourish where the water-level is 

 too near the surface, say nearer than eighteen 

 inches, or when the ground is saturated, or where, 

 when flooded, the water stands more than two or 

 three days. Acid lands are uncongenial. 



The field intended for alfalfa should be treated 

 the season preceding so as most effectually to 

 subdue all weeds and cause the sprouting and 

 destruction of any weed seed in the ground. Farm- 

 yard manure should preferably not be used for at 

 least one year before seeding, as it favors the 

 growth of weeds. 



