Alfalfa or Lucerne SATIVA)* 
Alfalfa is the most valuable crop that 
can be grown on any farm. The United 
States Department of Agriculture says: “In 
addition to the hay crop, Alfalfa at two 
years adds $100.00 to the value of every 
acre on which it grows.” 
"There is no State in the Union in which 
Alfalfa cannot be successfully grown.” 
“Its long branching roots penetrate far 
down, push and crowd the earth this way 
and that, and thep constitute a gigantic 
subsoil. These become an immense maga- 
zine of fertility as soon as cut. They be- 
gin to decay and liberate the vast reser- 
voir of fertilizing matter below the plow, 
to be drawn upon by other crops for years 
to come.” 
Alfalfa Is sown in this section in the 
Spring, but more generally in August and 
oarly 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 Ken- 
tucky State Experiment Station recom- 
mends 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 ma- 
nure at the rate of 8 to 10 tons to the acre, 
if applied the year before Alfalfa is sown 
and the weeds that grow from the manure 
are eradicated, makes a most satisfactory 
fertilizer; turning under green crop also 
Iielps. 
The plant when young is weak and must 
have plenty of available food the first year 
to make its growth, then when established 
it is a strong grower. 
It will then develop a strong tap root, 
enabling it to stand the winter well, and 
start vigorously the following year. 
Sow at rate 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 uni- 
form stand. Alfalfa must be covered, not sown 
on the surface, 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. These germs collect the 
nitrogen from the air and store it on the roots 
of the plant for it to feed on and enrich the 
soil. We will be glad to send pamphlet on inocu- 
lation. 
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 windrows, 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 wo can secure, grown on non-irrigated land. 
It is plump, fine colored, of high germination and 
purity. 
Turkestan Alfalfa 
This is imported from Turkestan. Grown on 
the high tableland of central Asia, it is claimed 
to stand extreme changes of temperature and dry 
weather better than other varieties. 
Grimm Alfalfa 
This variety was originated in the northwest by 
a man of the name of Grimm. In appearance the 
seed and bloom 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 
peculiar root formation it is claimed it will with- 
stand winter killing. 
WAR 
The value of Clover as a fertilizer is too well known to need a description of its use. The 
point we wish to call attention to is the necessity of its use at this time when the chief ingredients 
used in the manufacture of commercial fertilizers are either impossible to obtain or are at such 
■a price that their use, except in the most limited quantities, is prohibited. 
1 > ^ ta sh comes from Germany, the amount produced in this country being so small as to be of 
1 1 1 1 le importance. Since the European war commenced Germany has been able to export no potash. 
Nitrate comes from Chile. The great amount of this used in the manufacture of explosives, 
danger and high cost of shipping has made the little coming to the United States very high in 
These two ingredients in conjunction with phosphate are the materials from which commercial 
fertilizers are made. All are high in price. 
Use Clover. It is the cheapest and best fertilizer you can obtain. 
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