COMPOSITION OF ALFALFA 225 



the loss of protein, which resulted in a considerable 

 relative gain in the amount of fiber. This storage 

 loss was to be expected, as the chief losses were 

 probably mechanical, due to the shattering of the 

 leaves, which are richer in protein and poorer in 

 fiber than the stems. The chief point of interest is 

 the very large quantity of dry matter obtained in 

 the year's growth, nearly six tons, and the large 

 proportion of nitrogenous substance, or crude pro- 

 tein, contained in it (2,327.7 pounds) equivalent 

 to that in about 7.5 tons of wheat bran. 



Variations will occur in samples from different 

 fields and in different years, but it is thought that 

 the analyses given here fairly represent what may 

 be expected as to variations in the composition of 

 the different cuttings, and the losses that occur 

 in handling when made and stored as hay. 



Alfalfa as a soiling crop 



Alfalfa is one of the most useful of the soiling 

 crops, because it is ready for use early in the 

 year, and because three to four cuttings may be 

 had each year. In the East, the first cutting is 

 ready about the latter part of May or first of June, 

 the second, usually within a month or five weeks, 

 and the third and fourth usually four to six weeks 

 after cutting the preceding crop. It possesses 

 more nearly than any other crop the very great 



