Imperial press and farmer., 1902-03-21
Care of Alfalfa.
Agricultural College Expert Tells How
 ll Shnnld Be Done

in New Mexico. it forms one Of the principal sources of revenue Co the farmer of this section. Thousands of tons are shipped annually and it forms the bulk of the food for stock through cut this region. Other crops are giy- ing place to lt slowly but surely. The ncreagc in some sections is simply enormous
 So long as present prices rule. alfalfa will continue to be the dominant crop and the acreage may be expected to increase The profit tn growing alfalfa at present prices. reckoning cost of production and interest upon the investment. is such as Co draw even the amateur into somewhat ex- tensivc operations.
 These substantial profits. which have heen realized for number of years. has. it is believed led to considerable cGrelessness and lack of diligence on the part Of the farmer in the care of alfalfa fields. Alfalfa Is grown with the greatest of ease and even in care less hands a field not too old returns a fair profit But the time may be ex- pectcd 10 come when there will be a somewhat sharper competition than Is felt at the present time. The writer does not wish to give the impression that the farmer and ranchman will be driven out Of the business. but believes that more study and care will be de- manded if the present rate of profit is 10 continue.
 One can hardly pass through a field without noticing the bare spots and soddy patches. The alfalfa has teen drowned out or otherwise mlshandled. and the aggressive native grasses have taken it's place No one will contend for n moment that these grasses arc equal to alfalfa. They sap the soil and encroach upon the alfalfa plants. The bare spots are objectionable. pop ular opinion to the contrary Very coarse. woody alfalfa does not bring so good n price nor find SO ready a sale as fine alfalfa. As competition in- cf eases greater discrimination may Ice expected in this line. and the mat ter will be forced upon the alfalfa grower In way that will command his attention.
 It Is not m extremely difficult mat ter to prevent the bare spots and the encroachment of wild grasses. Pre-
 
 with this difficulty and prompt atten- ton may be expected to eradicate the evils entirely.
 Among the preventive means the following may be mentioned:
 First. thorough preparation of the land before seeding The land should be perfectly level and properly bor- dered SO that the water can be easily controlled.
 Second. a perfect seed bed should be formed SO that the maximum germln- alton may be reached
 Third. enough seed should be sown per acre 10 insure a perfect stand. even under somewhat adverse circum- stances. should they appear: also the rurse crop. if one Is used. should ha chosen with discrimination.
 Fourth. the time of seeding should be that which has proven to be best throughout a long period of time.
 Fifth. the irrigation should he car r!ed on with care as to season and ire quency on the particular soil to be handled and the way the water Is ap- piled 10 all portions of the field. AL 'alfa Is very susceptible to injury from standing water during hot weather and. therefore. the greatest care should be exercised to prevent water from standing too long on low-lying portions of the field
 Sixth. never pasture short. espe- oIally in the winter. Alfalfa has won derful recuperative powers. but cou- tinuous nipping on of the crowns will damage the plants and eventually dn- crease the yield not a little Horses