290 



FIELD CROP PRODUCTION 



after this time, the second crop is put back, which, in 

 the course of the year, may mean one less cutting. The 

 last cutting in the fall should not be made so late that the 

 plants will not be able to make a growth of 8 or 9 inches, 

 to protect the crowns during the winter. 



Composition of Alfalfa Hat 



Crude 

 Fiber 



Carbo- 

 hydrates 



Stem 

 Leaves 



4.99 

 14.48 



0.81 

 2.96 



6.35 

 23.33 



54.33 

 13.15 



27.79 

 41.16 



It will be seen from the table that the leaves are much 

 richer in fat, ash, protein, and carbohydrates than the 

 stems, and for that reason form the most valuable part 

 of the hay. The leaves of alfalfa, when dry, Hke those of 

 other leguminous hay plants, are easily broken off. It 

 is necessary, therefore, if the best quality of hay is to be 

 secured, that the harvesting be done in such a way as 

 to retain as many of the leaves as possible. This may 

 be done by handling the hay in a semi-cured condition 

 as far as possible. Cutting may be done either in the 

 afternoon or morning, as was suggested for the making of 

 red clover hay, and the hay allowed to cure for a short 

 time before it is raked up. The following day it may be 

 piled in small cocks and allowed to cure for a few days 

 before hauling to the barn or stack. Alfalfa hay does not 

 turn water readily, and the best quality is secured when 

 the cocks are covered mth canvas caps while curing to 

 protect them from the rain and dew. In the eastern 

 half of the United States, almost all of the hay is stored 



