242 
ELEMENTARY AGRICULTURE 
before planting. A field where cowpeas have been 
grown will make a more satisfactory seed bed than one 
where weeds have started. Plowing for fall seeding 
should be done in the spring or early summer, being 
kept clean by harrowing. 
Alfalfa seed is usually broadcasted, but a drill made 
for the purpose will insure a more even stand. The 
seed should not be covered too deeply. The amount of 
seed per acre varies with the conditions under which it 
is planted. From eight to twenty-five pounds per acre 
may be used. Fall planting is usually completed during 
the early part of September. It is best because the weeds 
do not interfere with the growth, and the soil is in better 
condition. If alfalfa is planted in the spring, it should 
be sown in the latter part of March to April the tenth. 
If alfalfa has not been grown upon the land it is well 
to haul a few loads of earth from a field where a good 
crop has been grown and broadcast it over the field. 
This serves to inoculate the soil with certain bacteria 
which are necessary for the growth of nodules upon the 
roots. These bacteria may be secured in small cans from 
seed houses for treating the seed at the time of sowing. 
The hay is cut just as the crop is coming into bloom. 
It is best to cut in the morning, leaving the hay until the 
following day, raking it into windrows. The hay is left 
in the row from two to four days, after which it may be 
stacked or baled. 
Most varieties of alfalfa are adapted to the South. 
The drier land seems to prefer the Turkestan, Grimm’s 
or dry land varieties. 
It is often suggested that alfalfa should not be pastured 
until the second season, giving the plants a chance to be¬ 
come well rooted. Cattle bloat if they eat green alfalfa 
when it is wet. Hogs do better with some corn or alfalfa. 
