LUCERNE AND ALFALFA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 25, 12 April 1907, Page 3

LUCERNE AND ALFALFA.

The growth of lucerne is somewhat neglected in New Zealand, and it would be well worth a trial in many districts in the colony. It is essentially a lime-loving plant, but has the disadvantage of not standing, feeding bare. For cutting, hovvever, it gives amazing results on suitable soils. On a small patch of porous soil near a stable we have seen a piece of lucerne which had been down for eighteen years, and cut several times during the year, providing green feed for the horses practically all the year round. All that it got by way of manure was a dressing of stable manure once a year. In Sydney many of the horses are worked upon lucerne only, and in Queensland lucerne has often been the saving of the country in droughts. Should it not receive more attention from us? Half an acre near the stable would afford enough feed for several horses, and, if fed in conjunction with oats and chaff, it would be a great saving in. the quantity used. On limey soils or river-bed land, it should do very well in New Zealand. In England many are turning their attention to sowing lucerne in their mixtures. Alfalfa, in the United States ot America, in some of the favoured localities, has been of the greatest service to farmers, and in cases where the climate and soil was suitable its growth has made many men rich. In South America it is grown for cattle, and there it is essential to success. Why is it not more grown in New Zealand ? The climate does not affect it like Paspalum dilatatum, which, in the North, has proved an excellent fodder. There is much land in the Colony containing quite sufficient lime to grow it well. We would suggest to our readers that they should try a small patch near the stable, and see whether it would not save their oat bill and keep their horses in good condition. For dairy cattle in a dry summer it would make all the difference in the world. Cut and fed to the cows, it would tide over a dry spell and keep the milk can full and test up. If it is not wanted for the moment, cut green, and mixed in layers with straw, it makes the straw almost as palatable as itself. Our dairy farmers will have to keep some feed to ensure their cows against a dry spell, and they might find this deep-rooted, vigorous-growing plant of great help.—Farmers' Union Advocate.