FORAGE CROPS FOR THE SAND-HILL SECTION OF NEBRASKA. 17 



Stuart, Bassett, and Ainsworth. (Fig. G.) This wide distribution 

 of successful fields growing under nearly every condition of moisture 

 and in widely varying situations is sufficient evidence that alfalfa 

 can and will be grown in practically every part of this region. 

 There are sure to be numerous failures in seeding alfalfa on account 

 of the uncertainty of the climate, and it is advised that discretion be 

 used in limiting expenditures on the first trials. Success will be 

 more general as the people become better acquainted with the crop 

 and as hardier strains, suited to this locality, are developed. 



Fig. 6. — Alfalfa field near Atkinson, Nebr. 



SEED STRAINS ADAPTED TO SAND-HILL CONDITIONS. 

 NATIVE DEY-LAND STRAINS. 



Seed of native dry-land strains of alfalfa is secured from nonirri- 

 gated fields in the semiarid sections of the West. It is usually ordi- 

 nary alfalfa which has been grown for years under dry-land con- 

 ditions. In this way the drought-resistant plants alone have sur- 

 vived, and such seed is preferable if it can be obtained. 1 



TURKESTAN ALFALFA. 



Turkestan alfalfa was secured originally from Turkestan and has 

 been found, as a rule, more drought resistant than the ordinary 

 alfalfa. It is not recommended, however, under irrigation, or in 

 sections with sufficient rainfall for full crops of ordinary alfalfa. 

 In the sand-hill region ordinary alfalfa usually gives a better yield. 2 



1 Westgate, J. M. Alfalfa. Farmers' Bulletin 339, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, 1908, p. 38. 



2 Westgate, J. M. Op. cit., p. 37. 



[Cir. 80] 



