343 



ON THE CULTIVATION OF LUCERNE. 



Lucerne has not hitherto been appreciated or used in Eng- 

 land to the extent that it has been on the Continent and in 

 America. English farmers, however, are now realising its value 

 as a fodder crop, and each year it is being more extensively 

 grown in the southern and midland counties, especially in those 

 districts where there are warm calcareous soils. It is not likely 

 however, that in this country the crop will ever attain such an 

 extensive cultivation or quite the degree of popularity which it 

 has secured in other countries. Compared with that of southern 

 Continental districts, in which lucerne is largely grown, our 

 climate is moist and cool, and is much better suited to the 

 growth of grass, vetches, and other fodder crops. 



The crop is essentially one for dry climates and dry soils. 

 For several years past the English seasons have been dry and 

 have suited the crop admirably, a fact which, no doubt, accounts 

 to a great extent for the increased amount of attention which 

 lucerne is now receiving from farmers. Although a calcareous 

 soil is not essential for its successful growth, the crop thrives 

 better where there is plenty of lime in either the soil or the sub- 

 soil. Where such a favourable condition exists, the long strong 

 roots, which render a crop of lucerne practically independent of 

 rain, often penetrate to a depth of many feet. The duration of 

 the crop varies somewhat,but in this county under favourable con- 

 ditions it will usually continue to yield a fair bulk of produce 

 during a period of from five to eight years. 



Satisfactory results can be secured only when the seed is sown 

 on thoroughly clean land. Where lucerne is sown alone this is 

 of vital importance, for if the land is at all foul, innumerable 

 weeds come up with the young plant and choke it. It is 

 generally advisable to get the land in clean condition in prepara- 

 tion for sowing, by the growth of a fallow crop, which should be 

 heavily manured and carefully cleaned. Potatoes are excellent 

 fcrthe purpose. Farmyard manure should generally be avoided, 



