ALFALFA 



289 



weeds. The mower should be set to run rather high, 

 usually about 4 inches. If the plants turn yellow and 

 cease to grow during the first year, they should be clipped 

 off with the mower so that they may start a new growth. 

 Frequently, however, when the plants turn yellow, it is 

 because the proper bacteria to furnish them with nitrogen 

 are not present. 



293. Making alfalfa hay. — Alfalfa should be cut for 

 hay when the new shoots for the next crop start out from 



Fig. 102. — Stacking alfalfa in New Mexico. 



the crown of the plant. Usually this occurs about the 

 time the plants begin to bloom, although the bloom may 

 sometimes be farther advanced before the new shoots 

 appear. When the shoots appear, the crop should be 

 cut promptly, since, if the cutting is delayed until after 

 this time, the leaves begin to drop from the plant and the 

 quality of the hay is reduced. Cutting at this time is 

 also more favorable for the next crop for, if cut before the 

 new shoots appear, the plants will be greatly weakened 

 and sometimes destroyed, and if cutting be delayed until 



