294 THE BOOK OF ALFALFA 



the college farm during the spring of X904 a small area 

 of native sod was disked five times; part was sowed to 

 alfalfa and part to clover. The next spring only a few 

 scattering plants of alfalfa could be found, while a fair 

 stand of clover was secured. Good results have been ob- 

 tained with both the Turkestan and the American varie- 

 ties. Neither has winterkilled during the time, and the 

 yield per acre in each case has been good. A field sowed 

 to Turkestan alfalfa in 1899 at Highmore Forage testing 

 station still produces good yields. The quantity of seed 

 to sow per acre depends largely on the way it is sowed, 

 requiring more if broadcast than when drilled. We sug- 

 gest 20 pounds when diilled and 25 pounds when sown 

 broadcast The time to sow depends upon the con- 

 dition of soil. The sod must be warm and in good con- 

 dition of tilth. Contrary to what is sometimes supposed, 

 alfalfa does not require a wet soil, but one that is well 

 drained, with a loose subsoil. The plants will stand cut- 

 ting several times during the first year. This method 

 should be resorted to when sown on a field badly infested 

 with weeds, in order to secure a stand of alfalfa. In 1902 

 a field, rented by the college farm, which had been 

 cropped for several years and become foul with mustard, 

 was sowed to alfalfa. It was cut three times during the 

 growing season, and the result was that in 1903 there was 

 practically no mustard to be seen, but a first class stand o£ 

 alfalfa was obtained. 



George E. McEathron of Beadle county writes: "I 

 consider alfalfa and clover culture practicable in this lo- 

 cality. I do not think it necessary to inoculate soil for 

 these crops in South Dakota. After the first year I cut 



