La Junta tribune., 1915-04-10
JOSEPH H. SHANK. Editor

One of the most ideal places in the
world for the growing OF alfalfa Is
the land lying along the course OF
the Arkansas River. The problems
confronting the eastern farmer who
undertakes TO start alfalfa are some
times almost staggering. The land
must be drained In many cases. and
that at considerable cost OF both Ia
Dor and material. The soil is usu-
ally deficient In lime or phosphorus
and these two elements must be sup
piled, adding to the expense. And
when the ground is finally ready TO
be sown. the soil must be inoculated
with the nitrogen producing bac-
terra. And yet. In the face OF all
this time and expense. the value Of
this crop on the farm is so great, that
the acreage OF alfalfa is increasing
materially every year.
Local farmers have none OF these
obstacles to overcome, but the bene-
fits derived from alfalfa growing are.
II anything. greater here than they
are In more humid climates. We de-
rive the same benefit from the store
OF nitrogen and humus supplied by
this plant. and are far more apt to
save the hay In first-class condition.
We have quite frequently heard
eastern visitors remark on the bright
green color OF our hay. AS compared
with theirs. Even light shower.
that dries off quickly. will do some
damage 10 hay. and one or two heavy
rains will spoil II completely. In
fact. II every Valley farmer would
take the same pains with his hay
crop that farmers In other localities
are compelled to take. the hay ship
ped from here would eclipse that
coming from any place. both In the
grade and feeding value. Alfalfa hay
should be- cut at the right time. cur
~ tu suS rHosA. SHu tuvh s"sA'u
under cover to produce. first quality
hay and although this method costs
. little more than the ordinary way.
the difference In the price received.
or. II fed TO your own stock. the In
crease IN the feeding value due TO
the retention OF the valuable alfalfa
raves. more than equals IN. cost OF
the labor. And II 4 sudden shower
comes up. hay In shocks Is more apt
20 be- saved than hay lying In the
winrow.
Hut TO 20 back 10 where We start
ed. To start alfalfa here IL not q
difficult natter. II there Is plenty Of
water for irrigation or a few show
ess TO sprout the seed. Simply use
ordinary care to have a firm seed
bed. cover very lightly and apply the
water when needed. This applies. At
any rate. to virgin soil. Several
cases have come under our observa-
zion. however. where Eroand has been
cropped continuously for a number
Of years and faiiur. TO start alfalfa.
resulted. In such cases Il IL more
than likely than an examination Of
the soil would show that one Of the
mineral elements necessary has been
exhausted by the preceding crops.
and . light application Of the element
needed would start the alfalfa 20
thriving with iss accustomed vixor
and strength.
In the hurry and hustle due 10 the
press Of spring work. the relatively
small matter Of . family garden plot
10 In danger Of being passed over. but
such should not bc the case. II
handled - Il should be. the small
tfaet Of ssound devoted 70 raising
gsrdsa vegetables will yield propor.
eieastely larger returns tAaa any
oehss eround on the farm. All or.
6inasy table vegetables DO we'll In
ehls locality sad you viii b uors
eAaa rspaid Tor the time aad iabos
nvesesd b The satisfacsioa Of belsa
oese 70 hsvs yous ows radishes. peas,
ooaos. cabbage aad tomatoes, ETC., n
aay Quantities and always srssh.
Hssse bsee1sss Of tAe Asksssas
va1osy nes1 have - fear that ths
oosoases vi11 beceas usDeefitabls n
~ neas fueuse. bseauss q - eves.
ooooly - hsssss. N peeseas %.
pooooo vae = dsalslss ~ Uaissl
eooeo - hossss q - asooolGAlaa
~ ~ ehooe whe ~ faol1las vteh
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- ~ thAs eoDe lAsosss ~ ~.
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y 1o1o - ~ - sogioosly =.
49, - M s1ess