326 GRASS MIXTURES SEEDS AND SEEDING 



of Alsike clover seed were Ohio, Wisconsin, Idaho, Michigan, and 

 Illinois; while the leading states in Sweet Clover production were 

 North Dakota and Utah. 



Alfalfa. The five leading states in Alfalfa seed production 

 were: Utah, South Dakota, Kansas, Idaho, and California, in the 

 order named, though some was produced in all the Western States. 



Millets are mostly grown in the Missouri River valley region, 

 Kansas leading in production. 



Brome-grass, from the Dakotas and Minnesota. 



Imported Seeds. Considerable quantities of the following seeds 

 are imported : Rye-grass, brome-grass, alfalfa, red clover, and 

 bent grass. 



Sowing Grass Crops. The best and most practical method of 

 sowing grass and clover seeds has largely been worked out as a 

 result of long experience in each locality. In general, grass and 

 clover seeds should not be sown more than an inch deep, and less is 

 preferred if there is sufficient moisture. If necessary, the ground 

 should be well packed before seeding and heavily rolled after seed- 

 ing to bring the moisture near the surface. 



Grass and clovers will germinate at rather low temperatures, 

 endure light frosts, and require rather cool weather and plenty of 

 moisture during first few weeks of growth. They are, therefore, 

 best sown in early spring or early fall, but are likely to fail if sown 

 in summer. This rule, of course, varies with location. In northern 

 latitudes and humid regions, grasses can be sown any growing 

 month, but advancing southward or westward toward the great dry 

 plains region, it becomes more and more important to limit sowing 

 to the cooler portion of the growing season. 



Nurse Crops. The common method of sowing grass or clover 

 seeds in all the northern half of the United States is to sow the 

 seed with a grain crop, usually at the time the grain is sown. The 

 grain crop is called a " Nurse crop." The origin of this term is not 

 known, but it probably originated on the theory that the larger crop 

 protects the seeding. This, however, is not exactly the case, as it 

 robs the seeding of moisture and sunlight. In fact, the method is 

 only practical in regions of considerable rainfall and humid climate. 

 West of the Missouri River, where the summers are hot and dry, the 



