CHAPTER 9 



Alfalfa 



Alfalfa is one of the oldest forage crops. Its history has been closely 

 related to that of man throughout past ages. It was highly esteemed by 

 the ancient Persians as the most important of forage crops, and followed 

 their invasion by Xerxes into Greece, 490 B. C. During the early centu- 

 ries of the Christian era it spread throughout the countries of Europe, and it 

 was brought to North America by the early colonists. It was introduced 

 into the Eastern colonies under the name of Luzerne. It found its way into 



Map of the United States and Canada Showing Acbeage op 

 Alfalfa. Figures = Acres. 1 



California and other Western states probably by way of South America, 

 and brought with it the Spanish name of alfalfa. 



Alfalfa is characterized by its deep root system, on which are found 

 nodules similar to those described under the clovers. The bacteria in 

 these nodules enable the alfalfa to secure nitrogen directly from the air. 

 Alfalfa plants are propagated only by seeds. They do not spread, as do 

 some of the clovers and many of the grasses, by creeping stems and under- 

 ground root stocks. Alfalfa is a perennial and under favorable conditions 

 lives many years and attains a large size. The crowns of the plant become 



'Courtesy of The Maomillan Company, N. Y. From "Forage Plants and Their Culture," by 

 Piper. 



(121). 



