392 



ALFALFA 



Harvesting Alfalfa. For the largest total yields it is necessary 

 to cut alfalfa promptly whenever it is ready. Many western farmers 

 plan to cut the alfalfa when it is about one-fourth in bloom. This 

 rule, however, will not do in the northeastern States, where alfalfa 

 very often fails to bloom. It is much better to watch the develop- 

 ment of new buds from the crown of the plant. As soon as these are 



FIG. 169. Alfalfa plants from seedings sown in August, September and October, and 

 taken up following April. Illustrates importance of early fall sowing to secure good, strong 

 plants. (Nebraska Experiment Station.) 



well started, the hay should be cut promptly. Usually the cutting 

 of hay can be made every thirty or forty days during the growing 

 season. This will give about three cuttings in South Dakota, and 

 five or six cuttings in Texas. 



The yield of alfalfa depends very largely upon the fertility of 

 the land and water supply. The average yield for the United States 



