The gazette-times. [volume] (Heppner, Or.) 1912-1925, 1913-10-16

ASOPOoIOu OApcTlm0uLb nhO0 Dy the
agricultural colleges, and the results
obtained by the actual growers of al
falfa in the semi-arid sections of the
west, in many parts of the Pacific
northwest throughout the corn belt
states, and in the south and east, are
conclusive evidence of the great value
of alfalfa.
There are few farmers whose profits
would not be increased greatly by
raising alfalfa. Every farmer should
aim to produce, as far as possible his
foodstuffs upon his own farm.
During the last few years, the area
devoted to alfalfa has greatly in
creased in the region west of the Mis-
souri, river, and it is certain that
there will be an equally rapid in
crease throughout the eastern and
southern parts of the United States,
and in that region known as the In
land Empire.
Many of the attempts In the past
to grow alfalfa in the semi-arid sec
ton in Washington, Oregon and parts
of Idaho have failed, but with our pres
ent knowledge of the requirements OF
the crop there will be little, if any.
more trouble in securing stand.
Alfalfa will soon be grown abun
dainty and proftably upon every
farm 1t is no more difficult to grow
than clover and gives double the
yield The deep roofing habit of al
falfa enables 1t to resist drouth when
clover, timothy, blue grass and other
forage grasses die for want of mois-
ture. Alfalfa roots grow deep into
the soil-far beyond the roots of 9th /
er plants.
It's drouth resisting power is Of no
greater Importance than its great
value as a soil enricher The long
roots bring phosphorus, potash and
other plant foods from below and
store them in the upper soil for the
use of other plants. Experiments
show greatly increased yields of 9th
er crops grown upon alfalfa sod.
Alfalfa is rich in protein, the most
essential element in feed to make
bone. blood and muscle in growing
Why We Need Alfalfa.
There is no combination of feeds
10 economical for the production OF
beef, pork, mutton, butter and eggs,
Is corn and alfalfa. Neither will give
he best results alone. We need alfal-
a because it balances up the corn
alton and saves the large waste of
tarch which always takes place
Vhere corn is fed alone. We need
Italia because we can by means OF
grow on our own farms the protein
lore profitably than we can buy it in
BED stuffs. We need alfalfa because
feeds the soil and enables us to
row larger crops of corn, wheat and
ats. We need alfalfa because it pro
uces on an average double the feed
alue per acre of clover or any other
rage crop.
Advisable to InoeuIate.
In regions where alfalfa has not
zen grown 1t is found to be neces-
Try to inoculate the ground by SOW
6 three or four bags OF soil secured
ON a field where alfalfa or sweet
over has been grown for a num-
II Of years; or where it is more
nvenient, artificial culture, such as
itragin," 'farmogerm," etc, may be
piled. Where alfalfa has not been
own before 1t may make the differ
ce between success and failure.
Alfalfa Essentials.
A well prepared, firm, solid seed
d. plenty of good barnyard manure.
d failow to kill the weeds, are most
portant
Make a 5eelnnlne-start Now
Every farmer should try at least
small piece Of alfalfa and II he
IS not succeed at first, try again
keep on trying until he does sue
I'd. II is worth the while. II the
rk is thoroughly done and at the
per time. you will most certainly ,
coed In securing a good stand: II =
work is half done and out Of
son. you will just as certainly tau
ke beginning-start nov,