78 



THE BOOK OF ALFALFA 



DATE OF HARVEST AND YIELD OF HAY 



"It will be observed that the maximum crop was pro- 

 duced by applying plenty of water throughout the grow- 

 ing season. However, it is also to be noted that a much 

 less quantity of water, when applied at intervals of three 

 or four weeks, produced a fair crop. Fifteen and 17 

 inches of water applied in this way produced more than 

 half as much as 61 inches applied at frequent intervals. 

 Furthermore, three irrigations of 15 to 17 inches pro- 

 duced about the same results as the same amount applied 

 at four irrigations. In applying irrigation water to 

 fields it is necessary to saturate the soil to a reasonable 

 depth. All the water that drains off beyond the amount 

 required for use is lost to the crop. It is not necessary 

 to apply water again until the crop has removed a large 

 part of the available supply." 



