Show new strains of alfalfa culture being developed three strains of alfalfa nodule bacteria capable of fixing more nitrogen and producing a somewhat greener color in the leaves of the alfalfa plant have been added to the stock from which the wisconsin college of agriculture Is preparing its alfalfa seed cul tures these strains recorded in the laboratory as pedigree numbers 1071 1 and were carefully tested in greenhouse trials last winter when they proved to fix more nitro nitrogen en and to stimulate the production of higher yields of hay than most other strains tested inoculation tests in these greenhouses show that while most root nodule cultures found in the soil of fields which have grown legumes are helpful to the plant some are less beneficial or even actually harmful before any strain ot of inoculating bacteria Is used for the preparation of culture in the laboratories of the university agricultural college it must first have proved to be beneficial as shown by greenhouse and field tests |