216 FORAGE CROPS 
Seed and seeding 
Pure seed is essential,—only that which is 
bright, plump and clean. Dodder is a parasitic 
plant, that twines about the alfalfa and thrives 
on its juices. Dodder seed may come with alfalfa 
seed. The alfalfa seed ought always*‘to be re- 
cleaned to free it from this parasite. There is no 
remedy for dodder when once established in a field 
except to plow up the infested patch. Alfalfa seed 
resembles that of red clover, but is larger and, 
when fresh, has a greenish yellow color. 
It is sometimes recommended to sow clover with 
alfalfa; this is a doubtful practice as, when the 
clover disappears, it will leave an uneven and too 
thin stand of alfalfa, although it is good practice 
to seed a little alfalfa with clover and timothy, on 
land intended for alfalfa later. 
Experience has demonstrated that, in order to 
secure a good stand, it is best to sow thirty to 
thirty-five pounds of seed per acre. The seed 
should be sown broadcast, and covered by a very 
hght harrow or weeder, and lightly rolled. If 
seeded in spring, the last of April or the first of 
May is preferable in the northern states, and with- 
out any protecting or nurse-crop. 
In the North, notably in Wisconsin, alfalfa is 
seeded in spring, using a nurse-crop of oats or 
barley. The best nurse-crop is beardless spring 
