Alfalfa or Lucerne Sat1va)° 
Alfalfa is the most valuable crop that can be grown 
on any farm. The United States Department of Agri- 
culture says: “In addition to the hay crop, Alfalfa at 
two years adds $100.00 to the value of every acre on 
which it grows.” 
Alfalfa is sown in this section in the spring, but more 
generally in August and early September to avoid weeds. 
When sown at this time, two cuttings may be made the 
following season. Alfalfa does best on a deep loose 
limestone soil. Where lime is lacking, it should be 
supplied. The Kentucky State Experiment Station rec- 
oin tiends four tons of ground limestone to the acre. 
It will not do well on many clay soils nor where the 
water table is within six inches of the surface. 
The soil should be thoroughly prepared, fine on top, 
but well settled. Plow deeply and disk and harrow 
thoroughly, right after plowing. Then roll to make it 
firm. 
The soil should be fertile. Barnyard manure at the 
rcte of 8 to 10 tons to the acre, if applied the year be- 
f re Alf. If a is sown and the weeds that grow from the 
m nure are eradicated, makes a most satisfactory ferti- 
lizer. turning under green crop also helps. 
The plant, when young, is weak and must have plenty 
of V ilablc food the first year to make its growth, then 
when established, it is strong grower. 
It will then develop a strong tap root, enabling it to 
stand the winter well, and start vigorously the following 
^Sow at the rite of 15 lbs. in drills or broadcast 20 
lbs. to acre. It is advisable to sow the seed half one 
way and the other half across to secure a uniform 
stand. Alfalfa must be covered, not sown on the sur- 
f . cc, as other clovers and grass. After sowing 
broadcast, lightly harrow and always roll. Depth 
to sow depends on the soil from three-fourths to 
one inch is generally sufficient. 
Inoculation is generally recommended, but in 
all cases is not necessary. Where Sweet Clover 
grows wild, artificial inoculation is not generally 
necessary as the same germs grow on Sweet 
Clover as on Alfalfa. 
Alfalfa will yield three to five cuttings when 
well established. It should not be grazed. Let 
it wilt a little before feeding green. If cut for 
hay, cut closely when in bloom, let lie for 24 
hours, then rake in wind rows, when dry stack 
in field with straw covering or put under cover. 
Handle as little as possible to prevent shattering 
of leaves. 
Brent’s Premium 
American 
ALFALFA SEED 
This seed is selected from the best American 
seed we can secure, grown on non-irrigated land. 
It is plump, fine colored, of high germination and 
purity. 
Grimm Alfalfa 
This variety was originated in the northwest by 
a man named Grimm. In appearance of the seed 
and bloom it cannot be distinguished from other 
varieties. It is characterized by spreading roots 
instead of one main tap root, by wide crown and 
heavy stooling qualities. On account of its pe- 
culiar root formation it is claimed it will with- 
stand winter killing. 
Bokara or Sweet Clover 
Of the three varieties of Sweet Clover known, 
the Biennial White (Melilotus Alba) is consid 
ered the best for this section. The Binenntal 
Yellow is also used. The Annual Yellow is not 
so desirable. 
Sweet Clover can be grown in all sections of the United 
States, and it has been proven that in many sections it is 
of value as a farm crop. It thrives on poor clay and 
poor sandy soil, but does best on limestone soil. ( > n 
poor soils and where it is uncommon, the seed should be 
inoculated at the time of sowing. As the bacteria of the 
roots of the Sweet Clover can inoculate Alfalfa, it makes 
it a valuable crop where Alfalfa is to be sown later. 
Sweet Clover must have a firm, well-prepared seed-bed. 
It does best after corn on ground that does not need to 
be plowed, using a disc or spike-tooth harrow to cover the 
seed. It can be sown either in spring or fall, and does 
best when sown alone; 20 to 30 pounds of hulled seed, 
or 30 to 40 pounds of unhulled, are sown to the acre 
It is a vigorous grower and soil-improver, especially on 
poor, wornout land, where an ordinary crop will not grow. 
As with Alfalfa and Cow Peas, stock may not eat it 
readily at first; but, from the amount that is being ten 
in many states, it is apparent that their dislike is over- 
come. Sweet Clover disappears under ordinary mowings, 
as i* lasts only two years under surh conditions, but it 
left to seed itself, will last ten to fifteen years. 
Sanfoin 
(Esparcette Clover) 
A little known variety of special value for light, dry, 
sandy or limestone soils. Is a good fodder plant. Usu_ 
ally sown with oats or barley, using 30 or 40 lbs. ot 
seed to an acre. 
How to dry vegetables. Pages 58 and 59. 
Field of Alfalfa 
45 
