The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-06-19
l AGE-HERALDS FARM PAGES 2f::;'E Es: :9:ss s:ss
Peruvian Alfalfa

Peruvian alfalfa. introduced into the United States about % years ago, has developed-i into the most popular variety on the Yuma irrigation project where a substantial industry in the production of alfalfa seed has been established AL though Peruvian in general is like ordi- nary alfalfa, yet the crowns are more erect and have fewer stems, while the leaves and stems are quite hairy, giving the plants a slightly gray color. The leaves are longer and as wide or wider than those of the ordinary alfalfa. Be- cause the stems become coarser and more woody when allowed to mature beyond the Towering stage, it is desirable to cut the Peruvian crop not later than when one-hah is in bloom. where first class quality hay is desired. In gen. eral the Peruvian alfalfa has yielded de- cidedly more hay to the acre than ordi- nary alfalfa, this increase being about three-quarters of a ton per acre This, combined with the fact that 1t is much more certain to produce a good seed crop than the ordinary variety, causes it's ex- tensive use.
 A Peruvian alfalfa cannot withstand se- were cold, and hence can be grown suc- cessfully only in mild climates. It be- gins to. grow earlier in the spring and continues to grow later in the fall than
  can be grown only in sections where thes minimum temperature is not lower than 10 degrees above zero. In the main, the soil requirements and seed bed prepara- ton are the same for Peruvian as for common alfalfa.
 The alfalfa should be cut when the plants are just coming into blossom, or better, when the basal shoots appear, un- less the weeds threaten to choke it out before this stage is reached, in which case earlier cutting Is recommended The earlier cuttings should not be moved low, as the alfalfa plants will not start so quickly and are more likely to be choked out by weeds. If the first cut ting should be light, as Is usually tho case if the seed in sown in the spring, 1t may be left on the land as a mulch. However, if it is heavy enough to smother the alfalfa plants. it should be removed from the field. If the stand becomes thin or patchy, the field should be plowed and reseeded.
 During 1917 the Yuma irrigation project produced 3,ooo acres of alfalfa, of which 40oo acres were devoted to seed produc- ton. About 50 per cent of this area was cropped with Peruvian alfalfa. Recently the Peruvian alfalfa has become SO pop ular in the southwest that the seed has sold for about double the price of ordi- nary alfalfa of similar quality and ger imitation
 The Peruvian is a surer seeding variety than the other members of the alfalfa family. It sets seed under less exacting conditions while it does well throughout the entire southwest, from Arizona to northern California. Generally speaking. but little seed can be imported from Peru, because it is grown there only in small patches. and on this account 1t Is difficult to purchase more than 100 or 200 pounds of seed at a time. Tn the Yuma valley the range in seed yield varies from i" 10 iAo pounds per acre, good aver age yield being between 800 and soo pounds equivalent to from eight and one-t third to 10 bushels.