ALFALFA, FORAGE CROPS AND PASTURES 283 



The irrigation season for pastures is approximately 

 the same as for corn or potatoes. The largest need for 

 water is in July and August, when the hot weather causes 

 the most rapid evaporation. Irrigated pastures must not 

 be allowed to become very dry, for it is difficult for the 

 pasture to recover in a season from a set-back due to a 

 period of extreme dryness. On the other hand, the fal- 

 lacy of over-irrigation should be avoided. Pastures do 

 not need much more water than do the hay crops. The 

 long growing season, the shallow root-system and the 

 variety of plants in the pasturage mixture, make it difficult 

 to foretell the best quantity of water for pastures. With 

 our present knowledge, however, it is safe to say that 

 from 12 to 24 inches of water should be ample to main- 



FIG. 73. Irrigated cane in Kansas. 



