The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1899-04-14
IRRIGATED CROPS,
Artesfan Well Irrigation Forage
Plants For thu, northwest,

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Plants For the northwest.
In connection with information con-
corning the James river valley of South
Dakota, one of the most fertile tracts
in the northwest and exceptionally good
farming territory were it not for djsas-
trous droughts at intervals. The Orange
Judd Farmer says: Experience has
demonstrated that crops which are al
ways possible under irrigation uniform
ly prove more profitable than a series
OF crops marked from time to time by
partial or total failure. Artesian well
irrigation has given best results. and.
IN fact. wells are about the only sources
from which adequate supplies of water
can be obtained. In some portions of
the state the wells have failed. This
may be due to clogged pipes, a collapse
OF the walls of the well or a defect in
construction. In no case has the supply
OF water been exhausted. Some seem
to believe that a continuous application
OF artesian water will result in over.
loading the soil with soluble salts detri-
mental to the vegetation. However,
with the considerable rainfall in that
portion Of the state. this is hardly posi-
BILE, and as the amount of irrigation
water needed for supplementing the
natural rainfall is SO very small this
objection need not be taken into &C.
count.
Under the direction of the expert
mont station y nI:,i1cr q" tc"ts hive
been made with LEADING grasses and
vegetables, results on the whole being
satisfactory. Some of the forage crops
attract particular attention in that they,
have been highly recommended for the
northwest. For several years there has
been much discussion as to the desira-
bility of the various sorghums. as Kaffir
corn, for South Dakota, both as a grain
and as a forage crop. The tests on the
irrigated plants and on these not irri-
gated showed that these extravagant
claims are not well founded. The wealth
er is so cool in spring that a vigorous
growth is not made before the hot sea-
son sets in. Indian corn is decidedly
better for the latitude of South Dakota. |
White Kaffr corn was planted about
the middle Of May, grew we'll and was
cut Sept. 4, when the grain was in milk,
giving over IS tons green fodder per
acre. Giant Spurry was sown about
the same time in 16 inch drills. 1t made
a thick growth, yielding over a ton of
green fodder per acre and half a ton of
dry feed. 1t made a fine aftermath.
This plant is not intended for hay. but
rather for pasture. since it grows SON
until freezing weather sets in.
1t seeds plentifully, and the station au-
consider it worthy Of trial on
dry sandy land. Stock eat it readily,
both when green and after it has been
killed by frost. It is also used as a green
manure for blowing under.
Victoria rape was sown in Is inch
drills about the middle of May. The
growth was luxuriant. This plant seems
to be very desirable for this section as a
crop or for hurdle feeding. Sand
vetch was sown May 7. came up and
grew well. This is a low growing, twin.
ing vine and when intended for hay
must be sown with some late variety of
which will serve as a support. It
has the objection Of being a shy seed
bearer, and the seed is quite expensive.
It can be pastured until frost.