W 203-511 -15m TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN NO. 137 (lo-operative Forage Crop Investigations BETWEEN TI-I E Texas Agricultural Experiment Station AND THE 'Bureau of Plant Industry, United States Department of Agriculture ALFALFA IN NORTHWEST TEXAS av A. B. CONNER Scientific Assistant in Agrostology United States Department of Agriculture Postoflice College Station, Brazos County, Texas Ailiiéii{Ekiiitfiéicériifllli a u, nu 101/’ _Q,_ ‘ TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS. Governing Board. (Board of Directors A. & M. College.) W. A. TRENCKMANN, President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Austin JOHN I. GUION, Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ballinger' WALTON PETEET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fort Worth CHAS, DAVIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Steel's Store L. J. HART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .San Antonio DR. J. ALLEN KYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Houston R. L. BENNETT.,.............. ED, R. KONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Austin Iwesident 0f College. R. T. MILNER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .College Station Statiooz Oflicers. H. H. HARRINGTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Director J, W. CARSON . . . . . . . . . .Assistant to Director and State Feed Inspector M. FRANCIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Veterinarian G. S. FRAPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . '. . . . . . . . .Chemist J. C. BURNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Animal Husbandry H. ........................Horticulturist RAYMOND H. POND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Plant Pathologist WILMON NEWELL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Entomologist H. L. McKNIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Agriculturist N C. HAMNER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Assistant Chemist J, B. RATHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Assistant Cnemist J. B. KELLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Assistant Chemist C. W. CRISLER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chief Clerk A, S. WARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Stenographer STATE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT‘ STATIONS. _ Governing Board, His Excellency Governor O. B. COLQUITT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Austin Lieutenant Governor A. B. DAVIDSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Cuero Commissioner of Agriculture Hon. E. R, KONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Austin . Director of Stations. H. rI. HARRINGTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..College Station Sup-erintendents of Stations. A. T. POTTS, Beeville Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Beevi11e, Bee County W. S. HOTCHKISS, Troupe Station . . . . . . . . . . . ..Troupe, Smith County A. L. PASCHAL, Lubbock Station . . . . . . . . . ..Lubbock, Lubbock County J. T. CRUSE, Fort Worth Station . . . . . . . . .Fort Worth, Tarrant County H. C. STEWART, Pecos Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pecos, Reeves County T. W. BUELL, Denton Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Denton, Denton County H. C. HOLMES, Temple Station... . . . . . . . . . . . ..Temp1e, Bell County I. S, YORK, Spur Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Spur, Dickens County A. L. HARRIS, Angleton Station . . . . . . . .Angleton, Brazoria County J. K. FITZGERALD, Beaumont Station. . . . .Beaumont, Jefierson County NOTE——The main station is located on the grounds of the Agricultural and Mechanical College, in Brazos County. The postoffice address is College Station, Texas. Reports and bulletins are se-nt free upon appli- cation to the Director, TABLE OF CONTENTS IV ry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 ll “a A Page _~:0dl1(3ti011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Q region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .' '7 flurface features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7 j and plant eovering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 idaptability of alfalfa to the region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8 aring the land ‘for alfalfa. . . . .‘ . . . . . . . . . . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Vjects in preparing the land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8 é-en to prepare the land. . . .' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9 to prepare the land. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 if: alfalfa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. l0 varieties of alfalfa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 ‘Q n to seed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 ‘ ' t0 seed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..10 lntity sown per acre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..~.10 ,1} for the field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 ' e of clipping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..11 Hue of cultivation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ._ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 alfalfa hay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 required for hay crop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..12 to cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..12 ‘g alfalfa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 ds of hay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 'ng .and marketing the hay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 g alfalfa seed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . II14 tableness of the seed crop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 crop for seed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..14 required for seed crop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 » divesting and thrashing seed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . ..14 1+ yields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 “g alfalfa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . antages “of pasturing. . . .- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ._ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 ‘in to pasture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..15 Vt to pasture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 . . . . . . . . . . . . ." . . . . . . . . . . . .15 [Blank Page in Original Bulletin] INTRODUCTION. 7 wing to the recent development of Northwest Texas as an glfa growing region and the many vicissitudes experienced by farmers of that section in the past two droughty seasons in paring for and planting this crop, it is considered that a publi- ' ‘on at this time setting forth such information as is available erning the best methods of preparing for and planting alfalfa particular region will be acceptable. Such information is Jply needed at this time because of the influx of settlers who, Q if experienced in the growing of alfalfa elsewhere, are at a {to cope with the conditions without some additional knowledge is region. These droughty conditions make it exceedingly ult to secure a stand of alfalfa and call forth all the farmer's f; ‘ces to secure the proper returns for his outlay in capital. , paper is Written not only on the basis of five years’ experi- work, but as well upon observations and practical experi- liin growing alfalfa as a farm crop in Northwest Texas. i [Blank Page in Original Bulletin] THE REGION Northwest Texas, generally speaking, comprises a section 0f about fifty counties lying immediately east of the State of New Mexico and about as large as the State of Oklahoma. (See Fig. 1.) DALLAM SHERM. HANSF. OOHIL- LID$_ 1r; ‘DLPJNS L! H. . . ._ nAnlrLé/V hbone nbrc HEMPH 0105A‘ OKLA MQNI JACK. W135 Fig. 1. Map of Northwest Texas showing the “high plains,” “staked, plains,’ and “red-beds” regions as described in this publication. Surface Features. This territory is for the most part a gently rolling plain, varying in altitude from about 1000 feet in the southeastern part to ap- proximately 4500 feet in the northeastern portion. The northern part of this region is traversed by the Canadian River, Which offers drainage only to the immediate region through which it tlows. The southern and southeastern portions are drained by the Red and the Brazos Rivers and their tributaries. The central portion is cut here and there by a canyon, but for the most part is drained loy means of lakes where the water (xollects during wet periods and escapes later either by seepage or evaporation. In the discussion of this paper this region may xvell be divided into three areas: namely, the “high plains,” the “staked plains," and the lower lying “red-beds.” The section north of the Cana- dian River, which comprises about eight counties, is known as the “high plains.” That part south of the Canadian River and west of an irregular line drawn from Big Springs, Texas, north through _3__ Goodnight, Texas, is designated as the “staked plains” region, t- comprises about fifteen counties. This line is pretty definit marked by an abrupt change in altitude, and is commonly kno as the “cap-rock” of the plains. That portion of this region east i_ this line and south of the Canadian River is the “red-beds” regio, In size it is about half of the section discussed in this paper. i Soil and Plantfiovering. The soil throughout this region varies from the dark clays o clay loams to sandy loam, with considerable sand along the Wat“ courses. The soils of the high plains and staked plains differ verb little. The soil of the red-beds region is for the most part a reddis? or chocolate colored loam, interspersed here and there with gyps t w hills, and like the other regions has considerable sand or sand hi J - bordering the water courses. - . " The high plains and‘ the staked plains regions are for the mos part treeless, except for scattering scrub timber along the river and ravines. However, as the cap-rock line is approached th quantity of scrub increases. The buffalo grass (Bulbilis dactyloides) is most in evidence throughout both these regions, with a smalle f proportion of the grama grasses (Bouteloutz curtipevzdula and B. oligostachya). Along the southeastern border of the staked plains; and in the sandier soils quite a variety of otherigrasses are found; The red-beds region issparsely dotted with low scrub mesqui with considerable elm and other scrub timber along the water courses.‘ — Throughout.the red-beds region is found a great variety of grasses In a large portion of this territory the grama grasses predominate‘, with quite a sprinkling of buffalo grass, Muehlcnbergia, bluesteniflg and many other grasses of less importance. i‘ 1% a Adaptability of Alfalfa to the Region. If properly utilized alfalfa is Without doubt the most profitable; crop that can be grown in this region. Certain sections are adapted to the growing of hay; others for pasture and seed; but the farmer l’ who is prepared to utilize his fields for any or all of these purposes‘? will continue to get good returns regardless of droughty seasons,‘ It is therefore of the utmost importance that the prospective grower _ bear the above suggestions in mind, for otherwise he will find alfalfa no more profitable than other crops during droughty sea-if sons. In general, the high plains will produce only pasture; the ‘~ staked plains, pasture and seed; while the red-beds region will pro- . ' duce pasture, seed, and hay-. PREPARING THE LAND FOR ALFALFA. Objects in Preparing the Land. When and how to prepare land for alfalfa is of great importancef to any region, but especially is this so in Northwest Texas. Probv ably more failures in securing stands are due to lack of preparing; the land at the proper time and in the right manner than to any‘ other cause. Therefore the farmer who attempts to seed land to‘ i __9__ his crop without first acquainting himself with its requirements ;tands a good chance of losing seed and labor. When and how to Jrepare the land for alfalfa is a very simple matter, if the farmer Jears in mind the requirements for a good seed bed. His first and Jrobably most important care should be the conservation of mois- ;ure. A second consideration, and one of scarcely less importance, s the securing of a firm seed bed with a surface mulch. Having )bserved these two points the farmer will experience little difficultyf’ n getting a stand of alfalfa, even in the driest of seasons. When to Prepare the Land. When to begin preparing the land depends altogether ‘on Whether the seeding is to be made in the spring or in the fall. If fall seed- ing is desired the land should be plowed not later than July 1st. It can be plowed with a reasonable degree of safety as late as July 15th; however, later plowing is not dependable because bf the fact that the seed bed may not get enough rain after plowing to make it sufficiently firm for seeding with safety. If spring planting is desired the land should be plowed some time in November of the preceding season so as to allow ample time for the firming of the seed bed before spring. Early plowing prepares the soil to take in and hold a greater amount of moisture than would be obtained by late preparation. The fact that a firm seed bed can be had with certainty only by early preparation makes this method unquestion- ably superior to late preparation. ’ How to Prepare the Land. If prepared sufficiently early deep plowing is advisable in all cases. It enables the soil to take in and retain the greatest amount of-the rains which generally come as run-off water and therefore gives a moist seed bed for planting. Sandier types of soil of course do not require as deep plowing as the darker adobe sorts,~but in any case deep plowing is not objectionable if done early in the season. Shallow plowing is advisable only when the preparation is done so late that there is some chance of its not having time to settle a firm seed bed. Shallow plowing does not allow the saving of much water as deep plowing, and many times is less desirable than disking, because it has a tendency to loosen the seed bed more deeply than disking and if late in the season is fatal to successful seeding. _ Disking over the field is preferable to either deep or shallow plow- ing if done late, provided the disking is sufficient to kill whatever vegetation there may be on the land. The disk harrow can be used to advantage after plowing until the vegetation gets so large that it will not be destroyed. . The smoothing harrow is an excellent tool so long as the vege- tation is small. It not only kills small weeds but has a tendency to firm the seed bed ‘and leave it in the best condition for planting. The smoothing harrow should be used freely except on the sandier soils where caution must be taken to prevent blowing. __1 Q__ SEEDING ALFALFA. Best Varieties of Alfalfa. Of about thirty-five different strains of alfalfa tested out in w, region, the ordinary Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma grown se have proved to be the most satisfactory. Some few imported 10f have given an indication of superiority, but not sufficiently gre to justify the additional cost of imported seed. The Turkesta‘ which is so generally recommended for drought-resistance, hasn; ‘ proven equal to the native grown strains. Good, clean, new grown in Texas, Oklahoma, or Kansas is considered about the a! for this Legion, and is therefore recommended. When to Seed. Whether it be fall or spring seeding it should be done early in season. Early fall seedings (August 15th to September 15th) a 13;; most dependable and are less likely to be affected by weeds the foli lowing season. Early fall seedings, if on- well-prepared land, wi The small plants just coming through the surface soil or a few day old are seldom if ever injured by frost. If planted at this time they; have an opportunity to make some growth before the spring weeds have germinated, which will give them.great advantage in the sue-i ceeding growth. If seeded with a drill, either in the fall or in the spring, it isg most desirable to make the seeding immediately after a rain. This’ insures quick germination and leaves the land freshly cultivatedj and in such condition that it will not blow. If planted with a; broadcast seeder or by hand it is best to have it done at early seed-i ing time without Waiting for rainfall. For if the seeding is delayed a second rain, which will be necessary for germination, may come - too late in the season. Broadcast seedings should never be made. immediately after a rain unless the land is harrowed and left until this mulch has dried out, for otherwise in (lrying out, as is inevit- able, many seeds will be lost. i How to Seed. Alfalfa is either planted in close drills or broadcast. Whether seeding is done with a drill or with a broadcast seeder depends largely upon which of these two implements is more accessible. Drilling is preferable for the reasons that it generally takes less seed to secure a stand and it is more dependable. Drilled seedings are less likely to be affected by baking before germination or by blowing afterwards, for the reason that a stand can be had without rain after seeding, which leaves the land in such condition that it will not crust or blow. If the soil is in good condition an ordinary wheat drill with grass seeder attachment can be used. It should be set as shallow as possible and should have fastened behind a __]1_.__ brush or chain drag to level the small furrows left by the drill so as to prevent subsequent loss of young plants by heavy rains. In case of rainfall sufficient t0 induce baking of the land before germination of the seed a harrow or a brush drag should be used just when the crust is forming. When it is certain that the field will crust deeply it is best to use the harrow freely even though many young plants are destroyed, for without it no stand will be secured. If the crop is to be seeded broadcast the Wheelbarrow seeder is about the best implement that can be used. This seeder is commonly sold on the market, and if properly attended will sow alfalfa seeds very satisfactorily. In seeding broadcast a rain is always necessary before the seed will germinate, and on this account one always takes the risk of having the land bake or crust. This crust is sometimes so thick as to prevent many plants from reaching the surface, re- sulting in a complete or a partial loss of the stand. Sandy soils crust more deeply than clays, because they contain less organic matter. This “baking” can beprevented, in a measure, by incorporating in the soil an abundance of organic matter, such as the plowing under of a millet or oats stubble, or some green crop, preferably a stubble crop, for it does not rot so quickly. If this stubble is plowed under early and not too deeply, and thoroughly out with a disk harrow, the first settling rain will put the seed bed in excellent condition for planting. Quantity Sown Per Acre. When seeded broadcast about 2O pounds per acre is usually the amount sown. A smaller quantity than this in broadcast seedings usually results in poor stands, for the quantity of seed will go a long way towards making up deficiencies in preparation of the seed bed. Close drilled seedings require smaller quantities per acre because of the fact that the seed is more evenly distributed over the field and at a more even depth, so that almost perfect germination is in- sured. About ten or twelve pounds have been found to give excel- lent stands, but where the conditions are not ideal greater quan- tities of seed are advisable as an insurance against poor stands. In the high plains region, and perhaps to a certain extent in the stake plains area, thinner seedings may be more profitable. Seed- ings at Amarillo at the rate of twenty pounds per acre were con- sidered too thick to afford any hay, and quite likely thinner stands. ‘would have produced as much or more grazing. CARING FOR THE FIELD. Value of Clipping. There is at the present time some difierence of opinion as to the- value of clipping young fields of alfalfa, the point of contention be- ing that clipping off the young plants in a dry time and before they have put out their first basal shoots will tend to destroy a very great number of them. After the plants have established crowns, however small, it seems reasonably safe that they can be clipped without injury. At any rate, when weeds are present in the field the clipping becomes necessary, and it is to be recommended in all _1g__ teases, for delay in checking the weeds at this time will result in the g.‘ loss of many alfalfa plants. It has been frequently observed by the writer that when growth was checked 0n young or old fields to the extent that the plants began to drop their leaves, they were vastly benefited by clipping before all the leaves had fallen. Ifields treated in this Way have been observed perfectly green; whereas ~.i other fields without clipping were dry, and in some cases no doubt * severely injured. The benefits of clipping are very strongly indi- cated by the green and thrifty condition of fields that have been ‘i eaten off but not over-pastured by hogs. Value of Cultivation. ln this region, which is comparatively dry, the cultivation of alfalfa is almost absolutely necessary. Young fields may be cul- tivated with a spike-toothed harrow, while older fields require the use of either the disk harrow or an alfalfa renovator. If the growth is reasonably good the renovator may be used safely the first season The renovator does much more satisfactory work than the disk because the plants are not cut off below the ground. A cultivation early in the season before the crop has started growth and one later in the season after cutting are desirable. Fields that are pastured, of course, will require more cultivation than hay fields for the reason that cultivation lessens the damage done the soil by tramping. GROWING ALFALFA HAY. The red-beds region is practically the only part of Northwest Texas which will produce profitable crops of alfalfa hay, barring the canyon bottoms and swales between hills in the plains regions. Time Required for Hay Crop. Early crops require longer growing periods than later ones. The time required to grow a cutting of hay ranges from fifty to thirty days, depending on the advance of the season. From one to five crops of hay are had in this section, depending on the rainfall. A hay crop requires a longer growing period than a “clipping” since 1he latter is simply an immature hay crop. When to Gut. Alfalfa ordinarily should be cut when the first blooms- appear. lf left until in full bloom quite a number of the lower leaves will be lost, and some delay caused in letting the new crop start out. When weather conditions are such that the growth of alfalfa is checked before the blooming period it should be clipped before it has dropped all its leaves. This will enable the ‘alfalfa to recover and start out now growth without further rainfall. Alfalfa should never be cut for hay when it is wet, for there will be some difficulty in curing in this condition. In cutting alfalfa the juice from the stems has a tendency at times to form gum on the sickle and cutter bar, sometimes causing considerable trouble. If water is applied to __13_ the sickle at intervals it will entirely remove this gum and thus give the sickle freer action. Curing Alfalfa. Ordinarily alfalfa cut one morning can be raked into windrows the next, but in the case of heavy crops a little more time would likely be required. It is probably less difficult to escape sunburning if the hay be cured in the swath, for if raked into the windrow too soon, it will not be ready for baling until the exposed part has burned. ln any ease, itshould be raked before it has sunburned. By curing in the swath and raking up just befort it is ready to bale, a nice, sweet, green hay will be secured. Curing in Windroyvs or cocks too often results in sunburning the outer hay. Yields of Hay. New fields of alfalfa. do not produce as much hay as older ones. After two or three years old the roots will have penetrated suffi- ciently deep to gather enough moisture to make fair crops of hay with a small amount of rainfall. The yield per cutting is very irregular, ranging from a “clipping” to about one ton per acre. The average season’s yield based on five years’ experimental work and ol>sei'va.tioi1 is about two and one-half tons per acre. The profitableness of the season’s crop of course depends upon the number of times the field has been mown, for in this section it is always necessary to eut one or more times when the hay secured ivill not [way the expenses. It is therefore clearly seen that the growing of alfalfa for hay alone, except perhaps in certain favored sections, would not yield the farmer very much greater average re- turns than many other crops. Storing and Marketing the Hay. The hay can best be stored_or marketed by putting it into bales. This can be done either from the field or from the stack, but less cost is Eltttltfilltkl to the operation when baling is done from the field, itaking the hay (lireetly from the windrow. A barn should be pro- ijvided in which to put the baled hay immediately so as to avoid loss bad weather... The cost of storing this hay is a small matter and §may be regarded as insurance. It can be carried from this storing {place to market when (lesiretl. i ln this region a bale uieighing about sixty pounds probably finds ‘more ready market than any other size. Furthermore, bales of this size ordinarily press easily and load Well into a car. In selling -the hay the farmer should use great care in quoting the grade, eespecially if the buyer is not present. It is freouently the case that farmers quote intermediate grades of alfalfa as choice pea-green, with the result that on arrival at its destination the buyer refuses to accept. it. This always results in considerable loss to the farmer. If the farmer knows the buyer and deals exelusiyely with him he yvill avoid much trouble and useless expense. GROWING ALFALFA SEED. Profitableness of the Seed Crop. ,The production of a crop of alfalfa seed is exceedingly profitable because the expense incident to growing and handling it is even less than that of the hay that could be grown in the same period. A crop of two bushels of seed per acre is more profitable than twe ordinary crops of hay. The growing of seed is therefore to he considered wherever fields of alfalfa are grown in this region. 1t appears that a certain amount of dry weather is necessary for the best seed production, and with an ordinary vigorous growth to start the crop, seed can most likely be secured with little difficulty. Best Crop for Seed. The second crop is generally left for seed. ln this region the first crop would undoubtedly in many cases give good seed yields. The crop to be left for seed will depend entirely on the growth made up to blooming time. If the growth is vigorous the crop should be left for seed, but if later rainfall causes the plants to start growth at the base it is best to mow it for hay for it will not likely pro- duce a heavy seed crop. In such case the next crop may be left for seed if conditions are suitable. In the drier seasons it appears that the first crop, because of its vigorous growth, might produce good seed. Time Required for Seed Crop. It generally requires about eighty to ninety days to mature a. crop of seed, or about the period for two crops of hay. The time required for the heaviest yield depends on weather conditions up to the time of cutting, for if suitable weather is had the erop may be left to mature seed for some eonsitleralile. time after the first pods are ripe xvithout shattering. Harvesting and Thrashing Seed. Harvesting should be done when the greatest number of pods are ripe and before too many have begun to shatter seeds. Tl-lfi seed crop can be harvested with an ordinary moywer, but some earry ing attachment to bunch the hay without shattering the pods is desirable. If this buneher attachment is used on an ordinary mower the crop can be left in windrovvs dropped until thrashing time, if the weather permits. lf no bunehing‘ attachment is to be had the crop can be raked with an ordinary sulky rake and left in the wind- row. This raking should be done immediately sitter cutting, as the hay will be woody and will not mold. At thrashing time the hay (+2111 be carried to the thrasher with a bur-k rake, which probably shatters as few of the pods from the plants as any other machine that (i-ould be used in transporting the hay to the thrasher. Thrashing can be done in from two to six days after cutting, depending on the weather, and writ I1 an ordinary thrashing- maehiiiee. but a great many seeds are lost l}! the operation. The clover huller is detridmll)’ better for thrashing‘ alfalfa seetl. as the operation is i s, e 2 .. 1 Wu. Him. M.|1> 86F»: mwofiéw o» mfimfiw m» Owfimoofiwo. Hmwmm. __15_ zomplete and very few if any of the seeds are lost. Ordinarily the price for thrashing seed in this region is $1.50 per bushel, but con- sidering the average price of $10 per bushel for the seed it is a small item. Seed Yields. The yield of seed varies greatly with the season and conditions. Yields of six bushels per acre have been had in this locality but more often from one to four. A yield of less than one bushel is not profitable, except when no hay crop can be secured. Plot yields at the Chillicothe Station during 1910 gave from two to four bushels per acre. Other fields in the same section yielded from one to four bushels per acre, showing conclusively that seed production in this locality is one of the most profitable resources of this crop. PASTURING ALFALFA. Advantages of Paturing. The pasturing of alfalfa is desirable in this region not only be- cause many fields will afford pasture only but because any field will afford perhaps a greater amount of feed by grazing than from cutting the crop. During the last two seasons observations as to the amount of feed secured from alfalfa by pasturing with hogs as compared to that received by cutting indicated that from four to six times more feed would be had by pasturing. These observa tions may overestimate the value of grazing, but that some consider able additional growth is made by pasturing is obvious. Another consideration in favor ,of grazing, especially with hogs, is the fact that in this locality the farmer will sometimes get a fair seed crop from his pasture. At any rate, where grazing is practiced the crop is harvested with little cost to the grower, which in itself is an item where doubtful hay crops are had. Furthermore, in pasturing one returns to the soil much plant food that would otherwise be car- ried away from the farm. When to Pasture. Alfalfa fields can be pastured lightly the second season. The extent to which pasturing can be done the second season depends altogether upon the amount of growth produced the first year and the conditions during the first year of pasturing. After fields are well established they can be pastured as early in the spring as any green stuff is produced. This pasturing can be continued through- out the season if a reasonable amount of rainfall is had. If the alfalfa becomes very dry it is a good plan to take away a part or all of the hogs, or other live stock, so as to give it a chance to pro- duce growth. Pasturing requires exceedingly good judgment, espe- cially if the season is dry and the amount of growth small, for un- less great care is taken to prevent over-pasturing the stand will be injured. What to Pasture. The conditions are such in this region that unidoubtedly greater SUMMARY. Northwest Texas has recently developed into an alfalfa growing region. A knowledge of the peculiar conditions is necessary for EIICOGSSfUl results. _ Northwest Texas comprises about fifty counties, and may he livided into the “high plains,” the “staked plains,” and the “red- aeds” regions. _ In preparing the land the prospective grower must bear in mind the importance of conserving the moisture and of having a well settled, firm seed bed with a surface mulch. Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas grown seed will give the best re- sults. Turkestan is not as good as native grown strains. Early fall seedings (August 15th to September 15th) are most dependable. Alfalfa can be most safely planted with a drill. Twenty pounds of seed per acre insures a stand if the land is in good condition. It is best to clip young fields of alfalfa often the first season, especially if weeds are present in the field. Cultivation is necessary for the best growth of alfalfa in this region. ' p; From thirty to fifty days is required for growing a crop of alfalfa Bay. Alfalfa should be cut when the first blooms appear. In this fgiegion it is best to cure alfalfa in the swath. Curing in windrows in region too often results in sunburning the outer hay. About o tons per acre is considered the average yield of hay in this tion. The farmer should use great care in quoting the correct de of his hay. v A seed crop of alfalfa is very profitable. The second crop is merally left for seed. From eighty to ninety days are required mature a good seed crop. Thrashing is best done with a clover ‘ er. The ordinary thrashing machine wastes many seeds. Yields from one to four bushels per acre have been had in this locality. Many fields will afford pasture, when no hay crop can be secured, ditional crops of seed may be had from hog pastures. Exceed- good judgment must be used in pasturing alfalfa. The grow- é; of young animals should become a profitable industry even Vere grain feed is scarce.