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IRRIGATION PRACTICE 



crop of hay. On infertile or sandy soils from 10 to 15 

 inches should be ample. Where the aftermath is pastured, 

 the field may be irrigated lightly once or twice during the 

 hot months of July and August, when good pasturage 

 results until late in the fall. 



These and other grasses, especially the native grasses, 

 are often grown on the large ranches of the West. One 

 crop is ordinarily harvested and the aftermath pastured. 

 As early as possible in the spring, these fields are covered 



Fia. 71. Flooding pasture land. 



with immense quantities of water, which often stand for 

 days, 1 to 2 feet deep. It is believed that under such con- 

 ditions the frost is taken out of the soil, and a larger 

 quantity of hay is obtained. The experiments at our ser- 

 vice indicate that all hay crops are injured by an excess 

 of water, and that the best yields are obtained only by 

 moderate irrigations. The immoderate use of water on 

 such ranches should be discontinued, for it is an absolutely 

 senseless practice. The hay-making grasses, whether 

 tame or wild, should not be given too much water if large 

 yields are desired. 



