ALFALFA, FORAGE CROPS AND PASTURES 279 



usual, took root and grew well. Plenty of water was added 

 in the spring to cause an early start and to imitate a cool, 

 moist spring; after which water was held off for several 

 weeks, until near the time of cutting. Any of the well- 

 established methods of applying water may be used. From 

 5 to 100 inches were used in the experiments. In every 

 case there was a smaller yield with 100 inches than with 

 5 inches. In some cases, smaller yields were obtained 

 with 10 to 15 inches than with 5 inches. The evidence of 

 the available experimental work is that these grasses 

 tolerate only small quantities of water. The following 

 table shows some of the results obtained hi the Utah work : 



YIELD IN POUNDS PER ACRE 



Since the roots of these plants do not penetrate the 

 soil deeply, the frequent application of water may be 

 justified, but the total quantity need not be great. Timo- 

 thy appears to endure much water better than the other 

 crops. One crop only is obtained from these grasses, and 

 they are, therefore, much like the small grains in their 

 water requirements. Ordinarily it is sufficient to give 

 these crops one good irrigation before cutting. From 5 to 

 10 inches of water should be sufficient to produce the one 



