32 CIRCULAE JMO. V2[), BUliEAU OF PJ.ANT INDUSTRV. 



IRRIGATION METHODS. 



A few tests of m-igation methods of a simple nature have been con- 

 ducted. These have consisted prmci])ally in determuiing the effects 

 of usmg moderate and excessive quantities of irrigation water on 

 young apple trees, comparing the quantity of water required in or- 

 chards where alfalfa is grown between the trees with that required 

 where no such crop is grown, and making soil-moisture determinations 

 on a few plats which are cultivated and iiTigated in different ways. 

 The moisture determmations are made m cooperation with the 

 Biophysical Laboratory, Bureau of Plant Industry. Some observa- 

 tions have been made of the different irrigation methods practiced 

 by the farmers on the project. 



To prevent excessive losses from running water m small ditches and 

 to eliminate the undesnable growth of weeds along the ditch banks, 

 concrete j)ipe lines have been laid on the experunent farm to carry 

 the water to distributing flumes. Concrete diversion and measuring 

 boxes equipped with specially designed weir gates have been installed 

 to facilitate careful measurement and prompt delivery of water to 

 the respective fields. The initial cost of concrete-lined ditches and 

 concrete pipe lines is from 50 to 100 per cent more than that of wooden 

 flumes, but on account of then- greater durability and freedom from 

 leakage they are in the end much more economical. 



Irrigation methods best suited to the light sandy and silt loam soils 



have been receiving special attention. Frequent light applications 



have been found to be more effective and more economical of water 



than are less frequent heavy applications. The furrow system of 



applying water is by far the best adapted to the rough to])Ogi'aphy 



and porous soil of the region. Relatively short furrows should be 



used, as heavy losses result from deep percolation where the water 



is kept rumiing for a time over porous soil in an attempt to run the 



water long distances. 



FARM BUILDINGS. 



During 1912 a machine shed and small workshoj) building was 

 added to the group of farm buildings erected on the farm. The struc- 

 ture is 16 by 40 feet, which gives sufficient room for the machmery and 

 for a small workshop and seed room. A concrete hotbed, 6 by 18 

 feet, has been constructed to replace a wooden frame which had fallen 

 to pieces m tln-ee years from decay. 



EXTENSION WORK. 



Some educational work is being done from time to time in the way of 

 conducting pruning demonstrations and by giving lectures on various 

 agricultural to|)ics at public meetings. Frequent trips are made to 

 (lilferent farms to inspect the crop and soil conditions with which 

 the farmers are confronted and to assist them hi then- farm operations. 

 ICir. 129] 



ADDITIONAL COPIES of this publication 

 .ii may be procured from the Superintend- 

 ent OF Documents, Government Printing 

 Office, Washington, D. C. , at 5 cents per copy 



