Bulletin Volume 114-126 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1913 Excerpt: ...trough is placed on a platform to keep out dirt and permit its being easily moved to different parts of the field. On the irrigated lands, of course, the crop may be seeded broadcast, or with the drill in the ordinary way, 10 to 12 pounds of seed being sufficient for a well prepared seed bed, where the seeding is carefully done. On irrigated lands, also, a nurse crop may be used, preferably barley, as it shades the alfalfa less. The preparation of ground, dates, and methods of seeding, etc., except as to thickness, are practically the same as those given for dry land conditions. By all means, even on the irrigated lands, thorough cultivation v/ith such a machine as the alfalfa cultivator (see page 60) should be given each spring, and where necessary repeated after the first cutting so that the ground is kept not only free from weeds but with a mellow surface soil. This will prevent the stand from thinning out as the crowns are permitted to spread more freely, and will also aid a great deal in conserving moisture, promoting bacterial and chemical activities in the soil, and preventing alkali accumulation. Alfalfa should be cut for hay when it is about one-tenth in bloom, but always before the new shoots of the following crop advance so far as to be reached by the cutter bar. The hay should be raked as soon as it is wilted in the swath. The curing should be done in the winrow or cock in order to cause the least handling and the least possible loss of the leaves, which are the most valuable part of the hay. Ordinarily, with a cutting of average heaviness, the mower will start Vig. 57. One of the most profitable crops on the irrigated farm. Hogs raised near Hermiston. in the morning when the dew is off and the raking is done in the afternoon of the same day, an...