400 DRY LAND FARMING 



It is not possible to fix definitely the order of such 

 a rotation where the conditions vary so much. The 

 grass crop may be added to each of the rotations given 

 above, but in none of them will it fit in so well as with 

 the rotation that combines fallow with a cultivated crop. 

 The order would be summer-fallow, small grain, a cul- 

 tivated crop, small grain and the grass crop. The term 

 of years that the land should thus be laid down to grass 

 or alfalfa will vary with the conditions. It is preferably 

 long rather than short, because of the hazard of failure 

 in getting a stand of grasses in years that are unusually 

 dry. When the grass or alfalfa crop is broken up, the 

 cropping to small grains in alternation with cultivation 

 may be prolonged as desired. 



The benefits from such a rotation are unquestioned. 

 It insures the maintenance of a supply of humus which 

 is so necessary to high production, more especially in dry 

 areas. It cannot be so well supplied in any other way. 

 It also opens up the way for the maintenance of live 

 stock on the farm. It is not to be expected that the 

 grazing in dry areas will be SQ much as in those that are 

 moist, and yet a certain amount of pasture land is neces- 

 sary where much live stock is kept. When alfalfa is the 

 grass crop grown, it will also furnish nitrogen to the 

 soil in liberal degree, and will in this way contribute 

 beneficently to the maintenance of fertility. 



The area for such a rotation will virtually embrace 

 all the semi-arid country, but the necessity for it will 

 not be so great in all parts. In much of the arid region 

 rugged lands are contiguous to the farm lands. These 

 may be made to furnish all the pasture called for. Not- 

 withstanding, the necessity for hay still continues, and it 

 cannot be better supplied than by growing alfalfa as a 

 rotation crop. This means that this crop may be made 

 not only to furnish hay, but that it may also be made 



