WHEN TO CUT LUCERNE.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 686, 22 November 1921, Page 5

WHEN TO CUT LUCERNE.

(To the Editor).

Sir,—ln your issue of the 18th inst. there is a paragraph on “When to cut lucerne.’’ Might I be permitted space to elaborate and emphasise this very important factor in lucerne culture. The Weribee experiments go to show that in order to obtain a maximum of quality and quantity over a season’s growth the lucerne should be cut when one tenth in bioom. Such is now usually accepted. The time when lucerne should is one tenth in bloom is usually coincident with the appearance of numerous young shoots from the base or crown of the plant. A heavy rainfall at about this time will greatly acclerate the growth of these shoots and the crop will required to be cut immediately after such. During- a dry period the appearance, of these shoots is slightly retarded. Again, in New Zealand lucerne usually lioweiis but twice in a season, therefore the time of making the third or perhaps the fourth cut must be based on the appearance of these young shoots. Exhaustive Danish, English and New Zealand experiments go to show that too early cutting of lucerne has a most deleteifious effect on the longevity and vitality of the stand;. Too many cuts during a season have a similar effect. _ Danish experiments over a long period showed, that subsequent yields varied inversely to the number of cuts during a season. ExCept on very fertile land, three cuts during a season give the best 'returns over a period of years. It would seem that the spring growth of lucerne should be cut as late as possible, and especially does this apply to the first cutting after sowing down. Late cutting is less harmful to the’stand than early cutting. i am, etc. , , ' * W. S. HILL, B. Agri. Matflcu, 19th November, . 1921. ‘ ' {:■