Alfalfa in Kansas. 



285 



Fia. 222. Alfalfa should grow on the ditch edges. 



alfalfa plant. Where higher heads are available the water is conducted 

 more rapidly over the surface and the losses above enumerated are ac- 

 cordingly diminished. Moreover, the time required to spread the water is 

 reduced and the cost of application relatively decreased. On account of 

 the tendency for sandy soils readily to absorb water, such areas should 

 be irrigated with higher heads than the heavier upland regions. It is 

 always advisable to use relatively high heads of water. For this reason 

 large-capacity pumping plants are preferred. One thousand gallons per 

 minute capacity will afford a water supply for nearly three times the 

 area that 500 gallons per minute capacity will supply. 



WINTER IRRIGATION. 



The application of water to a soil outside of the usual irrigation sea- 

 son is termed winter irrigation. Winter irrigation of alfalfa in Kansas 

 is proving very satisfactory. This is due in a measure to the use of 

 pumping plants. Even in fairly cold weather pumped water can be run 

 in the farm ditches without experiencing trouble with ice floes. Ditch 

 or reservoir water can not be successfully handled in cold -weather, be- 

 cause of ice troubles. Moreover, it is advisable to use the pumping plant 

 as many days as possible, provided the acreage irrigated is proportion- 

 ately large. The most favorable time of application is during the latter 

 part of February, although December irrigation has given satisfactory 

 results. It appears from the practice of Kansas farmers that enough 



