388 FIELD CROPS 



In the cotton section, corn, cotton, and alfalfa can be 

 worked into a good rotation, particularly if some small grain 

 is grown. Alfalfa can be sown to best advantage in this 

 section on land from which a grain crop has been 

 removed. After two or three years, when it is desired to 

 break up the stand of alfalfa, a crop of corn may be grown, 

 followed by a crop of cotton. Winter grain may then be sown 

 in the cotton stalks in the fall, and the alfalfa seeded the fol- 

 lowing season after the grain is removed. 



489. Use of the Hay. By far the greater part of the 

 alfalfa crop is used for hay. This hay can be fed to all 

 kinds of stock, including even hogs and poultry. It is rich 

 in feeding value, 11 pounds of it containing as much protein 

 as 10 pounds of bran. It contains nearly twice as much pro- 

 tein as clover hay and as much of the other nutrients. When 

 fed to dairy cattle, it can largely take the place of grain or 

 mill feeds. It produces rapid gains on beef cattle, sheep, and 

 hogs, when fed with corn or other grain rich in carbohydrates. 

 Growing stock of all kinds utilize alfalfa to good advantage, 

 and it produces excellent results when fed to laying hens. 



490. Alfalfa Pasture. While the stand of alfalfa is 

 injured if it is pastured too closely, where this crop is grown 

 in a short rotation there is little harm in pasturing it. No 

 better pasture for hogs can be found. If it is desired to 

 pasture the same field for several years, a large enough 

 acreage should be provided so that it is never eaten down 

 close. If necessary, it may be cut for hay at intervals 

 during the season. Care should be taken to avoid bloating in 

 first turning cattle and sheep on alfalfa pasture (Sec. 462). 



491. Alfalfa for Soiling. Perhaps as large returns are 

 obtained from soiling alfalfa as in any other way. It starts 

 into growth again quickly and there is no waste in feeding. 

 The largest yields are obtained if it is cut just when the new 



