210 FORAGE CROPS 
it had been introduced into New York from 
Europe. It is now regarded as one of the most 
important forage-crop plants in those states where 
irrigation is practiced. About fifteen years ago, it 
was found that it could be successfully established 
in those states where there is shortage of rainfall, 
but where irrigation is not practiced, as, for ex- 
ample, in Kansas, in which state the area in 
alfalfa has rapidly increased and where it is now 
regarded as one of the most important forage 
crops. It has also been the subject of experiment 
in many of the eastern and middle states, notably 
New York, New Jersey and Maryland, and the 
results secured in recent years show that with 
proper care in the preparation of the land for 
seeding, and in subsequent management, it may 
be profitably grown. In many parts of the eastern 
states it is now an established forage crop. 
Once well established the plant will last a num- 
ber of years, from four to ten or more, depending 
on the character of the land, the treatment in ref- 
erence to manuring, methods of cutting, and free- 
dom from weeds and grass. The annual upright, 
branching stems do not sprout when cut, but die 
back to the crown, when new shoots start and 
grow rapidly. The roots extend much deeper than 
those of most plants, sometimes reaching a depth 
of twelve feet or more, under favorable conditions. 
For this reason alfalfa should not be grown per- 
