The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1911-12-07
CULTURE Of ALFALFA
Difference in Methods of Apply
ing Water to Crop.
Recognized as One Of Most important
Factors In Arid and Semi-Arid
Sections Of West-Acreaqe
Being Increased.

More and more is alfalfa coming to
be recognized as one of the most i'm
Dortant OF farm crops, especially in
the arid and semi-arid section of the
west.
These sections begin with Nebraska
and sweep westward to the Pacific
coast. Colorado is probably the lead
Ing alfalfa growing state of the
Union; California comes next; and
not only in these states, but in all 9TH
ers within the boundaries of the Sec
lions named the acreage of alfalfa is
being rapidly increased.
And alfalfa. being a product of the
arid and semi-arid sections, its pro-
auction implies the process of irriga-
ton. and in this connection Prof.
Samuel Fortier, chief Of irrigation in
vestigations OF the United States ex-
pertinent station. has just issued an
important bulletin on Irrigation of
Alfalfa" Professor Fortier groups
the prevailing methods as the border
method. the check method, flooding
from field laterals, furrow irrigation.
etc.. and says.
Essentially the border method con-
STATS OF the division of field or tract
into long, narrow strips or lands by
low, fiat levees which usually extend
In the direction of the steepest slope
and conflne the water to single strip.
The bed Of each strip is carefully
graded to uniform slope, although
the slope may change to conform to
the contour of the natural surface.
The water to irrigate each strip Is
taken from the head ditch extending
across the upper edge Of the field and
Is controlled by an outlet box or Dor
der gate. although the gates are some
times omitted to save in first cost
OF preparing for irrigation. Check
gates. canvas dams or metal tappons
are used to hold up the water in the
head ditch to cause it to flow into the
borders.
This method is confined chiefly to
the irrigation of alfalfa and grain and
IN its various notifications is used ex-
tensively in Arizona. California, and
to less extent in Idaho, Montana
and other Rocky mountain states.
The essential features of the check
method of irrigation consist in sur
rounding nearly level plats of ground
with low levels and in making pro-
vision to floor each by means Of q
ditch and check box or gate. The in.
closed spaces may be laid out in
straight lines in both directions. thus
forming with their levee borders a
series OF rectangles, or the leyees
may FOLLOW more or less closely the
contour lines Of the natural surface of
the ground. thus forming contour
checks. This method is used on heavy
soils where 1t is necessary to hold
the water on the soil to secure its
percolation to the desired depth.
Flooding from field bitches or LAT.
erals Is still the most common method
OF applying water to arid lands of
western America. In the states If
Colorado. Montana, Wyoming. Utah
and to large extent in Idaho alfalfa
clover, native meadows and grain are
irrigated in this way.
This manner of wetting dry soil or.
isinated, II Is believed, In the noun
tain states and the last half century
mas witnessed gradual evolution Of
this plan SO that now it has not onlv
become firmly established, but is re-.
garded as the best suited to the condi.
lions under which 1t is practiced.
1T can profitably be used on slopes
that are too steep for other method.
Fields having firm soil and a fall
OF from rs feet to 100 feet have been
Hooded successfully. From this ex.
IRENE the slope may diminish to less
than OIL in 100.
ITS cheapness is another feature
winch recommends 1t to the farmer
OF limited means. Ordinary raw land
can be prepared for flooding at
an expense of from 81 to IS an
acre. Again, 1t is adapted to the use
OF small water supplies"