SOWING ALFALFA 219 
the cause of failure. The depth may vary some- 
what with the kind of soil, but in general, if 
planted more than three inches deep, there is 
danger that the germinating plant will not be able 
to reach the surface. One-half to two inches are 
about the extremes. 
Another point of importance, as already stated, 
is that the soil should be packed around the seed. 
Many failures to secure a stand of alfalfa are trace- 
able to sowing the seed broadcast on new-plowed 
ground, and then to harrow, mixing the seed 
loosely with the surface soil, but not compacting 
it thereafter by means of a roller. Under favor- 
able conditions of soil and moisture the plant 
might survive, but it is safer to compact the soil 
and then go over it with a light harrow or weeder, 
loosening the immediate surface. 
Subsequent treatment 
The growth of weeds in spring seedings should 
be checked early by mowing, and as soon as the 
weeds are large enough to be clipped. By slightly 
raising the cutter-bar, the mowing machine can be 
used. If the crop of clippings is not too heavy, it 
may be left on the field and will serve as a mulch for 
the dry weather. This destruction of weeds in the 
early growth is very important, and frequent cutting 
is helpful, also, in establishing the young plants. 
