AGKICULTURAL OBSERVATIONS ON TRUCKEE-CARSON PROJECT. 11 



FORAGE CROPS. 

 ALFALFA. 



Alfalfa is the great money crop of this region. It is seeded any 

 time after ^Nlarch 1 until tlu' end of August, although April, May, 

 iind August are probably the best months in wliich to seed. June 

 and July are so hot that there is a tendency for the soil to dry out 

 rapidly and check the growth of the tender seedlings. 



The rate of seeding is from 12 to 20 pounds per acre. T^Yelve 

 pounds per acre is sufficient seed for a good stand in the lighter soils, 

 where there is little trouble in getting the seed to germinate. In the 

 heavier soils, or in land that crusts badly, it is often advisable to sow 

 more than 15 pounds per acre. It is generally broadcasted and har- 

 rowed in. but it is preferable to put it in Avith the grain drill. In the 

 light sandy soils the alfalfa may be safely sown H inches deep, but 

 this is too deep for the heavier soils. The seed should be sowni as 

 deep as is consistent with the character of the soil, as the deep-sown 

 seed is less liable to dry out after germinating. 



Fields should be irrigated and well prepared immediately before 

 seeding. The seed is then sown in the moist soil and should germi- 

 nate at once. If the character of the soil will permit it is best to let 

 the seed come up before again irrigating, as the water always packs 

 and cools the soil and sometimes causes a crust to form, through 

 which the alfalfa does not readily penetrate. 



The usual method of irrigating alfalfa about Fallon is by flood- 

 ing in checks. Xear Fernley the practice is to irrigate by the furrow 

 or corrugation system. 



While the alfalfa is 3'oung rather frequent irrigations are needed, 

 but as the alfalfa grows older and the roots penetrate deeper, fewer 

 irrigations should be given. AVhere there is poor drainage and danger 

 from a high water table special care should be taken not to over- 

 irrigate, and water should be applied only when the alfalfa shows 

 signs of actually needing it. "\Miere there is good drainage more 

 fre<^|uent applications of water are not so liable to ])roduce bad 

 results. 



It is often difficult to get a satisfactory stand of alfalfa, either 

 from the crusting of the soil, so that the alfalfa seedlings can not 

 break through, or from the blowing of sand, which sometimes cuts 

 off the young plants at the surface of the ground. 



These difficulties may be partly overcome by first seeding grain on 

 the land in the spring and when the grain is a few inches high seed- 

 ing in the alfalfa with a grain drill. The stand' of grain partially 

 shades the ground, thus somewhat preventing the crusting of the 

 soil, and it effectually protects the alfalfa seedlings from the diift- 

 ing of the sands. The grain should be cut for hay before it is mature, 



FCir. 78] 



