Alfalfa as a Field Crop in South Dakota

Summary of Bulletin No. 133(1) Average yields of alfalfa hay, from several strains of seed have been produced at Brookings, which have been more profitable than average crops of wheat or corn. Such a fact augurs well for permanent, profitable farming in South Dakota. Page 260.(2) Average yields of alfalfa hay from some strains of seed have been produced at Highmore, which were at least as profitable as average crops of wheat or corn. Such .a fact augurs also well for permanent, profitable farming in South Dakota. It is also exceedingly important to know that some strains failed to withstand the conditions at Highmore. Page 267.(3) Trials of alfalfa, by a number of co-operators in several parts of the state yielded some information. Further, very carefully conducted long-time experiments; such as those at Brookings and Highmore, at other points will be necessary to solve alfalfa problems. Page 268.(4) Yellow-flowered alfalfa apparently possesses great hardiness, which quality is of exceeding importance, especially under our more severe conditions. Page 272.(5) Seeds of alfalfa that fail to germinate, may be improved by some process of scratching the hard seed coats, and such treatment is apparently beneficial to all kinds of alfalfa seed. Trials with a seed Preparator\u27\u27 yielded this information. Page 281. (6) Five species of Alfalfa. Page 274