37 



only a few small spots in the field. Where there are only a few small 

 spots, it is better to run the irrigating water around, instead of over 

 them. Where larger areas of alkali are concerned, it is better to run 

 the water on and off as quickly as possible. 



If irrigating water has passed over a field badly infected with 

 alkali, the same water should not be used for other fields. A good 

 practice, but one that might not be practicable owing to the labor it 

 would require, is to draw a layer of fine dirt over the irrigated 

 furrow before the water has completely evaporated. This hindered 

 evaporation would help- to prevent the alkali from coming to the 

 surface. The same effect is produced when the cane is high enough 

 for the leaves to shade the ground. This is one of the reasons why 

 cane grown on some alkali spots will make a fair stand if it has been 

 able to secure growth enough to shade the ground. 



The question of fertilizing cane growing on alkali lands has been 

 spoken of in general under Fertilizers For Peruvian Soils. 



