OCR Text |
Show Three Requirements of a . Good Alfalfa Seed Bed Failure to obtain a good stand of alfalfa and to maintain it through the first winter frequently is caused by a poor seedbed. The three requirements require-ments of a good seedbed for alfalfa are : 1. A fine but firm soil. 2. Plenty of available moisture at seeding time. 3. A good supply of available plant nutrients at seeding time. The best time to seed alfalfa under most conditions in eastern Kansas is during August, and the above requirements require-ments should be met by the middle of t'.iat month. Fortunately, the tillage methods which will produce one of the required conditions will also help produce the others. One of the most satisfactory methods meth-ods of preparing the soil for alfalfa is to plow the land very shallow Immediately Im-mediately after harvesting a small grain crop and then disk it immediately. immedi-ately. The disking will incorporate the stubble with the soil and thus hasten has-ten its decay. Shallow cultivation should then be practiced frequently enough unlil seeding time to prevent the growth of weeds and volunteer grain. Disking should he avoided so far as possible during this period because it leaves the soil too loose and open. The frequent shallow ' cultivation cul-tivation will make the surface soil fine, and by preventing the growth of weeds will help conserve the soil moisture and plant nutrients. If the soil is not firm below the surface half an inch at seeding time a eulti-packer, eulti-packer, or a subsurface packer should he used. There is very little danger of having the soil too firm. |