SOWING LUCERNE.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 1 May 1914, Page 7

SOWING LUCERNE.

A few sears ago the Ohio Experiment Station conducted an investigation to compare the difference in production between thick and thin seeding of lucerne. They sowed at the rate of 5, 10, 16, 20, and 25 Ib. of seed per acre. It wss distributed through a grass seeding attachment which dropped the seed in front and was covered by the drill hoes. Lucerne seed may be sown broadcast or with a drill. The seed attachment gives better satisfaction than* drilling it with the grain. It docs not make much difference what kind of an instrument is used for sowing the seed. The point is to get the seed distributed evenly and covered about an inch deep or thereabouts. When the seed is broadcasted it may be covered with a common slant tooth harrow. Sometimes the seed is sown with the inoculated soil. In such instances a fertiliser distributor is a very good instrument to use.

Unless there are reasons to believe that the soil is already inooutated, we have no hesitancy in saying that it should be inoculated before it is sown to lucerne. It should also be made sweet by the application ot ground limestone or marl, and if these products cannot be obtained at a reasonable price, quicklime should be air-slacked and applied, for lucerne does not do well upon an add soil.