CHAPTER XIV 

 CROPS FOR ALKALI LAND 



PLANTS differ greatly in their resistance to alkali. Certain 

 crops, such as the beet, will withstand very large quantities 

 and still produce good yields, whereas others, like blue- 

 grass, resent even comparatively small quantities of any 

 alkali salt. It is therefore of great importance to choose 

 the proper type of plant for the particular conditions. 



Factors Affecting Resistance. Certain fundamental 

 problems such as the nature of the alkali- resistant plants, 

 the nature of the soil, climatic conditions, and economic 

 considerations, should be carefully studied before deciding 

 finally on which crop to plant. Perhaps the first thing to 

 consider is the difficulty in getting the plants started in 

 the alkali soil. Some of the best crops for alkali resistance 

 when once started well, of which alfalfa and beets may 

 be taken as examples, must be planted shallow and if the 

 alkali tends to concentrate at the surface during their 

 tender seedling stage, it is very difficult to secure a stand. 

 If, however, the alkali can be kept below the feeding zone 

 of such plants by washing or in other ways while they get 

 a start, satisfactory crops can be secured. As alkali is 

 not so concentrated when the soil is kept well moistened, 

 this condition should be sought while the plants are young. 

 Some varieties of each crop are best suited to resist alkali 

 during the seedling stage; hence it is important to choose 

 seed from successful crops on similar soils where possible. 

 The character of the root system of different plants 

 needs consideration. Shallow-rooted crops, like the cereals 



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