SHENANDOAH VALLEY’S 
Wetsel’s Adapted Alfalfa Seed 
How to Plant 
Sow 15 to 20 Ibs. to the acre in March or April 
Well-drained loam or clay soil, with no hardpan underneath, will 
grow Alfalfa when properly prepared. Lime should be applied to 
soil that is too acid. Two to five tons of ground limestone per acre 
is recommended; half of this quantity of burnt lime after plowing. 
A firm seedbed is essential for a good stand of Alfalfa, and the soil 
should, therefore, be prepared well ahead of planting time. Harrow 
the land frequently to destroy all weeds. 
Alfalfa needs fertilizer rich in phosphoric acid and potash. When 
seeding, apply 600 to 800 lbs. or more of 0-14-6 fertilizer per acre, 
increasing the amount of potash on sandy soil. Top-dress established 
plantings each spring with 300 to 400 Ibs. of 0-12-12 fertilizer per 
acre. Best results come from having the soil tested and adding the 
elements needed. 
BUFFALO ALFALFA 
Certified Blue Tag 
Buffalo Alfalfa is an improved strain of Kansas-grown seed de- 
veloped from selected stocks from Kansas fields. Although in reality 
the same type of Alfalfa, it is an improved strain, being more re- 
sistant to wilt, blight and other diseases as a result of selecting the 
more healthy and vigorous stocks over a period of years. 
It has already demonstrated its superiority over the older or un- 
improved strains of so-called common Alfalfa, for in resisting wilt and 
producing more healthy stocks, it produces a greater yield and better 
quality of hay. The demand for Buffalo seed has spread like a 
prairie fire within the past year. 
ATLANTIC ALFALFA 
As pointed out last year, this is another comparatively new strain 
of Alfalfa. Prior to now, the demand has greatly exceeded the supply. 
Much more seed will be available for the spring seeding; whether the 
supply will be adequate, we do not know. It seems safe to assume 
that there will not be enough seed to meet the early fall sowing de- 
mand in late July and early August. Releases by the U. 8. Dept. of 
Agriculture, from time to time, praise it very highly. It is the Grimm 
type; bear that in mind when considering it. Recommended for 
Virginia and the Southeast. Price has declined sharply. 
KANSAS ALFALFA 
U. S. VERIFIED 
Whether Kansas-grown Alfalfa is worthy of the reputation and 
popularity that it has held during the past is questioned by some 
users, nevertheless, it has been most eagerly sought. 
Because of two crop failures, virtually none was available in late 
1950-51 and early 1952. However, Kansas produced a big crop last 
summer and fall. Present indications are that ample seed will be 
available for spring seeding, also for late summer planting. We have 
a large stock on hand, and the price is substantially lower. 
The best investment you can make in connection with the 
planting of alfalfa (as well as all legumes) is to inoculate the seed 
before planting. Leaves contain over three times as much protein 
as the stems. Inoculation increases both leaf area and protein 
content of the leaves. 
ALFALFA—AIll F.O.B. Harrisonburg 
Oklahoma, Approved, Common 
Kansas V Critic dimamyareietariont octet siete 
Utah, Common 
Utah, Grimm 
Argentine 
California 
Buffalo, Certified 
Atlantic, Certified 
Ranger; Audited 7) 02. 303.6. 25 0-20 we 
Williamsburg, Certified 
BUFFALO ALFALFA 
RANGER ALFALFA 
RANGER ALFALFA 
(See Photograph above) 
This is a new strain of Alfalfa, having actually been developed from 
crosses of several strains, much as hybrid corns and other crops are 
developed. Among other favorable factors, this provides a hardiness 
that is not present in most existing Alfalfas. 
However, some authorities doubt that the degree of hardiness 
Pee by Ranger is needed in this area, with its comparatively mild 
chimate. 
WILLIAMSBURG 
This new strain was developed in Virginia, near historic Williams- 
burg. Several years have been spent in the field of production in an 
effort to make it available to the public. A limited supply was pro- 
duced last year and has been allotted to Virginia seedsmen. Only 
time will tell how it will compare in field competition with the ever- 
expanding list of other strains. But we are prepared to serve those 
who desire to give it a try! 
GALIFORNIA, ARIZONA AND 
ARGENTINE 
Because of the high price of other strains, we have sold a con- 
siderable amount of these three in recent years; butt WE CONTINUE 
TO recommend these cheaper strains for short rotation crops and for 
pasture mixtures. 
OKLAHOMA ALFALFA 
APPROVED 
Oklahoma-grown Alfalfa seed—that is the approved strain— 
gained much in popularity in the last couple of years. 
We have sold and recommended it for more than thirty years and 
it has always given good results. Recently it has been recommended 
by the authorities at Blacksburg. 
GRIMM ALFALFA 
The chief difference between Grimm Alfalfa and the so-called 
Common strain is reflected in the root system and habit of growth. 
The Common variety is characterized by a long, straight (and 
sometimes very large) root—often called a ‘‘tap’”’ root. It has very 
few small, or feeder roots. In sharp contrast, Grimm roots are far 
more numerous, spread over a wider area, and are shorter. 
INOCULATE WITH NITRAGIN. Alfalfa seed treated with Nitragin 
grows more rapidly, matures in a shorter time, produces bigger crops, 
and enriches the soil for the benefit of the next crop. It costs only 
15 to 20 cents to inoculate enough seed for a whole acre, and the re- 
sults obtained are well worth while. See page 26 for complete informa- 
tion concerning Nitragin, including prices. 
21 
