ALFALFA ROOT STUDIES. 
25 
Turkestan alfalfa is characterized by broader, deeper set crowns. 
more numerous branch roots, and shorter, more tapering taproots 
than the common and nonhardy alfalfas. The root system of this 
alfalfa is very similar to Grimm. 
Grimm alfalfa is characterized by broad, deep-set crowns and 
numerous branch and fibrous roots. There is almost no difference 
in the diameter of the taproots of Turkestan and Grimm alfalfa, but 
both somewhat exceed the common and nonhardy strains in this re- 
spect. They are also similar in the angle which the branch roots 
form with the taproot. This angle is greater than in the less hardy 
varieties studied, but does not constitute a conspicuous characteristic. 
Fig. 
19. — New plants that have developed from true lateral roots 
alfalfa. 
of yellow-flowered 
Fibrous roots are distributed over the root system, and rooting 
rhizomes are well developed. 
The forms of Medicago falcata are characterized by broad deep-set 
crowns and an abundant development of fibrous roots and branch 
roots. They exceed all the other alfalfas studied in these respects. 
Crown branches and rhizomes are small and numerous. The angle 
of divergence is greater than in the variegated and common alfalfas. 
Based upon manner of growth, these alfalfas may be divided into 
three general classes : The erect, the prostrate, and the decumbent. 
The erect plants have relatively small but quite distinct taproots 
and numerous small, slowly tapering branch roots. The prostrate 
