Show ALFALFA TO IMPROVE SOILS in actual practice crop cen can only qa be considered on an land which Is high in fertility the unqualified recommendation as a soil improver that is ia continually being given alfalfa la Is responsible for tho the very common belief that this crop la in one which should bd grown extensively on poor or unproductive says bays rural farmer fanner no greater mistake could be made than to sow BOW alfalfa especially in tha eastern states on land which is not in a high condition of fertility 6 it Is true that being a legume it benefits the soil boll through the addition of nitrogen fixed by organisms forming nodules on its roots and through its roots it not only supplies considerable e quantities ot at humus but greatly improves tho the mechanical condition of the soil in producing profitable yields of hay alfalfa utilizes large of 0 phosphorus and potassium which must be obtained either directly from the soil boll or from added fertilizer whether alfalfa to Is a soil improver is a question which cannot be answered without somo some explanation in the sense in which the term is commonly used alfalfa is not a soil improving crop since it cannot be utilized in the same manner as cow peas soy beans crimson clover or hairy vetch tor for the building up ot of worn out or depleted lands on the other hand it enriches the good soils oils through we the nitrogen and humus added to the soil by bi its roots and crowns when the old field of alfalfa Is broken up and also by the mechanical action of its roots upon the soli soil furthermore ther more the preparation of the land prior to seeding the alfalfa and the treatment in the way of top dressing and fertilizing which follow during the few years yeara of its existence doubtless have a very beneficial effect on the crops succeeding it in actual practice then alfalfa improves good land but cannot ba considered in connection with poor land |