214 FORAGE CROPS 
sary to enable the plant to gather the atmospheric 
soil ritrogen. 
The fertilizers should contain chiefly potash and 
phosphorie 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- 
corporation 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 
