Thirty-fourth Annual Convention. ^'^^ 



in spring. In 39 cases where no special fertilization was given, 

 six were in good condition in spring, thirteen fair, and eighteen 

 were in poor condition. This shows that special fertilization may 

 be of considerable value in securing satisfactory results. 



Concerning trouble with weeds the reports show that out of 

 the 56 who reported, forty (71 per cent) had no trouble with 

 weeds, fifteen (27 per cent) reported a little trouble, and one re- 

 ported considerable damage to stand from weeds. 



Out of fifty-one who answered the question concerning the 

 presence of root nodules, twenty-one (41 per cent) reported that 

 none could be found, twenty-four (47 per cent) reported some, 

 and six (12 per cent) reported nodules present in considerable 

 numbers. Special inoculation was tried by four of the experi- 

 menters. In one case there were no nodules found. In two cases 

 nodules were found on both inoculated and uninoculated areas. 

 In the fourth case all the seed was inoculated and plenty of 

 nodules were found. These observations indicate that some spec- 

 ial form of inoculation is probably necessary in practically one- 

 half of the cases where alfalfa is first introduced. 



The experiments of the Station will be continued this year, 

 with some additions and variations. Full particulars concerning 

 co-operative experiments will be furnished upon application. 



11. — Suggestions for Beginners in Alfalfa Culture. 



The results of our experiments in alfalfa culture up to the 

 present time do not warrant us in making many very definite 

 statements concerning the conditions necessary and the best 

 methods of procedure in order to establish a satisfactory field of 

 alfalfa. Of a few things, however, we are absolutely sure. One 

 of these is that the land for alfalfa must be thoroughly drained, 

 either naturally or artificially, and that all lands which are sub- 

 ject to overflow, or are liable to have standing water of any kind 

 upon them at any time, are absolutely unfit for alfalfa. It has 

 been demonstrated time and again that alfalfa cannot exist in the 

 presence of standing water on or near the surface of the ground. 

 The usual water level in the soil should not be higher than four 

 feet below the surface, and on the heavier types of soils good 

 drainage must be provided for all surplus rain water. 



Soil and Fertilization. 



There is a great deal of substantial evidence that goes to 

 show that almost any type of soil, from heavy clays to sandy and 



