I 86 CLOVERS 



them. The frequency of such diskings will depen3 

 on the needs of the crop. Some advocate disking 

 every spring, some every other spring, and some not 

 at all. That plan which disks the ground only when 

 it is necessary to keep the weeds at bay would seem 

 to be the most sensible. This would mean that some- 

 times, as where crab grass has a firm hold, disking 

 may be necessary at least for a time every spring. 

 In other instances it would be necessary only every 

 second or third season, and in yet other instances 

 not at all. However, some growers in dry areas 

 advocate disking frequently, as, for instance, after 

 some of the cuttings of the hay, and with a view to 

 retain moisture. It is at least questionable, how- 

 ever, if disking so frequently would not soon tend 

 to thin the plants too much, to say nothing of the 

 labor while the work is being done. 



The idea of stirring the surface soil in alfalfa 

 fields is by no means new. In England the plan 

 prevailed to some extent years ago of harrowing 

 the fields in the autumn with heavy harrows until, 

 when the process was completed, they would take 

 on the appearance of the bare fallow for a time. In 

 the Eastern States and in some parts of Canada 

 the harrow is used instead of the disk, but usually 

 the latter will do the work more effectively and 

 with less cost. Frequently, when the disk has been 

 used on alfalfa, it may also be advantageous to run 

 a light harrow over the ground to smoothen the 

 surface. 



With a view to renovate the crop and increase the 

 yields, in some sections, a§ in the Atlantic States, 



