ALFALFA, FORAGE CROPS AND PASTURES 281 



172. Red clover. Red clover, and the other clovers, 

 should be irrigated much as is the first cutting of alfalfa, 

 or the grasses above discussed. All the standard forage 

 crops are subject to the laws already laid down. It is 

 probable that from 12 to 15 niches would meet amply 

 the requirements of practically any one of the standard 

 hay crops. The longer the growing period of the crop the 

 larger will be the necessary quantity of water. When 



FIG. 72. Irrigating young alfalfa. 



vetches and peas are grown for hay they are to be treated 

 as indicated for peas in Chapter XV. 



173. Pastures and meadows. Many natural meadows 

 are supplied with water from below. In fact, in the irri- 

 gated section, the term meadow is generally applied to 

 natural pastures where no irrigation is needed. These 

 sometimes become dry in the summer, and must then be 

 irrigated. The time and quantity of application depend 

 entirely upon the prevailing conditions. No rules can be 

 laid down. 



