The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1914-06-12
ALFALFA ON DRY FARM
answers to Questions PROFOUND
ed by Practical Farmers.
Success Attained In Production Of
Crops Depends Largely on Mans
Own Efforts-Prepare Soil to
Retain All Moisture.

tBy A. D. ELLISON, Superintendent Of
Nephi Dry Farm satisfactory
Is it profitable to grow alfalfa on
dry farm? Is the expense of produc-
ing alfalfa on a dry farm less than on
the irrigated farm? What is the diff
ference, if any, in the yield Of alfalfa
: on the dry farm and that on the irri-
gated farm? How is the soil moisture
content of dry farm soils effected by
the growing of alfalfa? These are
some of the questions which have
been asked by practical farmers of
today.
The success that farmer attains in
the production of crops on his farm,
depends largely on his own individual
efforts. 1t is hard for farmer to pro-
tect his crop after it shows signs Of
drouth, for water in the soil is the i'm
portant factor to the production of
dry farm crops. Therefore, it is the
duty Of the farmer to study the con-
ditions which lead toward his success,
by preparing the soil for the purpose
of receiving and holding moisture.
Experiments from Akron, Colo,
made in 1911, shows the amount Of
water required in the production Of
three crops of alfalfa: First crop
from May 18th to July 10th, an aver
age Of 1,008 pounds of water was used
in the production of one pound of dry
matter. Second crop from July 10Th
to September 18th, an average Of
1854 pounds of water was used in the
production Of one pound of dry matter.
Third crop from September 18th to
October 22nd, an average Of $40
pounds of water was used in the pro-
duction of one pound of dry matter.
More water was used in the production
of one pound Of dry matter during
July, August and September, due to
the high rate of Transportation from
the alfalfa crop.
The cost of producing alfalfa hay
on the dry farm is less than on the IT.
rigated farm. Cultivation is the i'm
portant factor on the dry farm. with
irrigation the important factor on the
irrigated farm in the production of al
falfa. While the cost Of irrigation Is
entirely with the taxes on the water,
the cost of cultivation is not elimi-
mated from the irrigated farm. The
average yield Of alfalfa on irrigated
land is approximately four tons per
acre, while the average yield on the
dry farm is approximately two tons
per acre. However, the increased
yield of alfalfa on the irrigated land is
sufficient to pay the extra cost Of pro.
duction.
The moisture content of dry farm
soils is greatly effected by the produc.
ton of alfalfa, due to the fact that
alfalfa, which is leguminous crop,
uses up considerable moisture; not
that all of the moisture is used direct
ly by the plants, but good portion is
lost by Transportation.
Experiments prove that the soil
moisture content is regulated, more OF
less, by planting alfalfa in rows and
hills, because the area from which a
plant has to draw moisture is increas
ed, the Transportation from the crop is
decreased and the direct evaporation
from the soil is decreased by cultiva
ton during the early growing period
until the ground becomes shaded by
the plant. Growing alfalfa in rows
and hills is far better than growing
alfalfa broadcast on dry farms for the
purpose of seed production.