()40 A(/rtctiltural Gazette of N.SJF, [^«^. 3, 1908. 



How to grow Lucerne. 



Small areas of land can bo profitably ('ni])loyed tor pig-feeding as green 

 fodder, hay, or grazing. It will be of interest to those engaged in pig-raising 

 to briefly describe the chief points as a guide in its cultivation and nianage- 

 luent. 



The plant grows best in deep, friable, loaifiy, soils, containing lime, with 

 porous well-drained deep subsoils. In this lucerne establishes itself rapidly, 

 penetrates the subsoils to great depths, and eventually becomes one of the best 

 drought-resistant plants we possess. 



In all situations where there exists underground water, lucerne will send 

 its roots down. Rich creek or river flats are best, provided there is no serious 

 overflow. The long vigorous roots of the plant grow to great depths in search 

 of plant food and moisture. 



Instances are on record in Australia where splendid lucerne paddocks sown 

 forty years ago are still giving six to eight heavy cuts per annum. The roots 

 are found in a healthy state .">() feet bellow the surface. 



This, of course, is where the plant is grown under ideal conditions. It is 

 much shorter-hved on poorer soils and in dry districts. It can be grown 

 more or less luxuriantly on a wide range of soils. It is simply surprising 

 how vigorous the plant is, and how it survives the greatest hardships so long 

 as the soils, however poor, are deep and naturally or artificially well drained. 



No better instance of its drought-resisting capacity and hardy nature can 

 be adduced than the case of •")() acres growing well at this College farm on 

 low-grade soils, and with drought conditions during the past three years. 



Lucerne is not influenced by altitude, so long as the soils are deep, warm, 

 and well drained, and moisture is available. 



On lands with stiff clay subsoils, and where water is likely to lodge around 

 the roots more than forty-eight hours, the plant does not flourish. 



Preparation of the Soil. 



It must be remembered that lucerne is a gross feeder, and when once estab- 

 lished will last a number of years, and, from a monetary point of view, will 

 afford a greater return than any other fodder. The success of its growth 

 to a great extent depends on the selection of the land and the care and intel- 

 ligence bestowed on the preliminary preparation of the soil. 



The land must be clean and free from weeds. To effect this, one or more 

 crops should be taken oft', not only to get lid of weeds, but to enable a proper 

 system of fertihsation to be effected (also liming if needed). 



Any of the following crops will be suitable : — Wheat, rye, maize, barley, or 

 potatoes. The best crops are cowpeas, soy beans, clover, Canada field peas, 

 or vetches, seeing they provide nitrogen to the soil as well as humus. 



Where couch grass is growing, a crop of barley or wheat followed b\- one of 

 cowpeas will be found necessary. 



A summer fallow has the advantage of rendering the land free from \veeds, 

 as well as releasing plant food. 



