93 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



4 GEORGE V., A. 1914 



VARIETIES OF CEREALS. 



With the view of securing definite information as to the adaptability of varieties 

 of grains for this climate, tests of various numbers of those considered most likely 

 to succeed have been carried on during the past six seasons. From the results of 

 these tests, the following varieties may safely be recommended as suitable for districts 

 similar to this in soil, precipitation, altitude and temperature: — 



Spring Wheat. — Marquis, Prelude (when seed is available), and Huron. 



Winter Wheat. — Kharkof and Alberta Red. 



Oats. — Banner and Abundance. 



Six-Rowed Barley. — O.A.C. No. 21 and Mensury. 



Two-Rowed Barley. — Standwell and Hannchen. 



CULTURAL WORK. 



The cultural work has been carefully carried on during the year. Already suffi- 

 cient data have been secured from these experiments, which were first systematically 

 organized two years ago, to indicate that the information gained therefrom will be 

 most valuable. The experiment begun for the purpose of securing information con-" 

 cerning the best method of seeding down to grass and clover is giving decided 

 differences in yields of hay. The experiment, having in view the answer to the 

 question, ' What is the best method of summer-fallowing ' is showing big differences 

 in yield of grain. Thus, this line of experiments, comparatively recently instituted as 

 they are, and admitting that as yet it is too early to draw conclusions, is, nevertheless, 

 showing sufficiently definite results to warrant the confidence that this work will be 

 productive of much useful data. 



ALFALFA. 



This crop may be satisfactorily grown in Alberta. From experiments made at 

 Lacombe, two things are indicated as necessary: (1st), a hardy strain, and (2nd), 

 inoculation of the soil. The hardy strains here are Grimm and Turkestan. One 

 hundred pound of inoculated soil may be obtained from the Lacombe Station for any 

 district north of township twenty-four and west of the fourth meridian, freight pre- 

 paid to destination, for one dollar. 



ROTATIONS. 



A number of rotations have been under way for two and three years. The value 

 of these rotations is being compared from two standpoints: (1st), economy of produc- 

 tion, and (2nd), maintenance of soil fertility. The answer to the first may be secured 

 from the cost data, an accurate account of which is kept, and the second will be 

 answered by comparison of chemical analyses. The first analysis was made from soil 

 before commencing the rotations, and subsequent analyses will be made from soils 

 taken from time to time, after the rotations have been under way long enough to 

 affect the chemical constituents of the soil. These figures will enable a farmer to 

 determine the desirability of a rotation from the two important angles, cost of crops 

 under any given system, and the life of his land under that system. 



