214 FORAGE CROPS 



sary to enable the plant to gather the atmospheric 

 soil nitrogen. 



The fertilizers should contain chiefly potash and 

 phosphoric acid, and, although alfalfa is capable 

 of obtaining atmospheric nitrogen, it responds 

 quickly to applications of nitrogenous manures, 

 particularly in its early growth. The lime and 

 fertilizers should be spread broadcast and har- 

 rowed in previous to seeding. The lime should be 

 applied, when possible, to the preceding crop, in 

 order to ensure its thorough distribution and in- 

 coi"poration with the soil. The following applica- 

 tions per acre are recommended in the East, even 

 on good lands: 



First year, before seeding, thirty-five bushels of 

 stone lime and a mixture containing 3 per cent ni- 

 trogen, 10 per cent available phosphoric acid and 5 

 per cent potash, at the rate of 400 pounds per acre. 

 When there is a known deficiency in mineral 

 elements, as in sandy soils, these fertilizers may 

 be reinforced with ground phosphate rock or bone, 

 or kainit, and plowed in. In the fall or early 

 winter a top-dressing with fine manure is good, if' 

 free from weed or grass seed. The latter point 

 is important, as weeds will crowd out the alfalfa. 

 The fertilizers should be applied just previous to 

 seeding, and well worked into the surface. The 

 manure should be applied late in the fall after 

 cutting- has ceased; it should be fine, and evenly 



