240 FORAGE CROPS 
large amounts of mineral matter from the lower 
layers of soil, being stored in the roots and stems, 
will greatly improve the soil for subsequent crops. 
ALSIKE CLOVER 
Alsike clover is more perennial than red clover, 
and can be left frequently for three to five years. 
It is little affected by extreme seasons, and lands 
on which other varieties do not grow may produce 
an abundant harvest. It thrives on damp, moist 
loams and clays, on lands too wet for other clovers. 
It is very hardy, and not liable to be uprooted by 
late frosts, which frequently injure the red clover. 
Alsike clover has a rather superficial root 
system; therefore, the preparation of land should 
be very thorough, and the surface layers well 
enriched, particularly with the mineral elements. 
Owing to its somewhat creeping habit, it is not 
well adapted to seeding alone; as the stems lie 
along the ground, without rooting, the remainder 
of the stem ascending, in wet seasons it is liable 
to lodge badly, and the lower stems to rot. 
Seeding alsike clover 
Alsike may be seeded with wheat or rye, in 
the same way as red clover. When used for 
forage, the best time for seeding is in late 
