216 FORAGE CROPS 



Seed and seeding 



Pure seed is essential,— only that which is 

 bright, plump and clean. Dodder is a parasitic 

 plant, that twines about the alfalfa and thrives 

 on its juices. Dodder seed may come with alfalfa 

 seed. The alfalfa seed ought always to be re- 

 cleaned to free it from this parasite. There is no 

 remedy for dodder when once established in a field 

 except to plow up the infested patch. Alfalfa seed 

 resembles that of red clover, but is larger and, 

 when fresh, has a greenish yellow color. 



It is sometimes recommended to sow clover with 

 alfalfa; this is a doubtful practice as, when the 

 clover disappears, it will leave an uneven and too 

 thin stand of alfalfa, although it is good practice 

 to seed a little alfalfa with clover and timothy, on 

 land intended for alfalfa later. 



Experience has demonstrated that, in order to 

 secure a good stand, it is best to sow thirty to 

 thirty-five pounds of seed per acre. The seed 

 should be sown broadcast, and covered by a very 

 light harrow or weeder, and lightly rolled. If 

 seeded in spring, the last of April or the first of 

 May is preferable in the northern states, and with- 

 out any protecting or nurse-crop. 



In the North, notably in Wisconsin, alfalfa is 

 seeded in spring, using a nurse -crop of oats or 

 barley. The best nurse -crop is beardless spring 



