THE FARMER.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 27 December 1911, Page 4

THE FARMER.

FODDER CROPS.

Mr T, W. Lonsdale, under the above heading in the Journal of Departwent of Agriculture, writes: — At the present time there are probably no crops of so much importance to the dairyman as fodder crops, and none have received so little attention. Happily it is now recognised that those are of vital importancej as they supply tno herd with succulent food during protracted periods of drought, and may fitly be termed salvation crops. The lack of making provision for the herd by growing supplementary crops has been keenly felt during the last few years, but probably not to such an extent as last season, when. owing to the extremely dry weather, many herds rapidly failed in milk-pro-duction. When we consider the great loss individnally and the enormous loss to the Dominion collectively, a loss ■which by a little forethought and pre < paration could be avoided, it may be fairly conceded that it is time to adopt improved methols. SORGHUM AND MILLET. A variety of crops are at our command That which is receiving most attention is maize. In many parts of the Dominion it is probable that this will contiuue as the premier fodders plant, yet in districts subject to late and early frosts, and also light precipitation, the maize crop is pieoariour. Other crops suitable for such districts are sorghum and millet. These are common plants Of China and Turkestan, and it is estimated that nine-tenths of the natives of these countries and India subsist on the grain of the sorghum. In the semi arid pirtj of: ihe Western States of America, sorghum has in recent jears become proiuiuont, in some instances leading maize, which hitherto has been the greater iv cultivation, in the extent of its prbduction. So much has been written and is already known about the cultivation of maize that information on the subject is not so necessary. TRErAIIATItN OF LAND. As for all crops, thorough eultiva> tion prior to seeding is essential; the seed, being small, requires a line, clean seed-bed, and should be lightly drilled. The operatiou cau be performed with an ordinary using all tie coulters ; or, if i t is desired to grow stionger plants, alternate coulters may be used, or the seed can be sown in drills 2(un. apart, to allow for cultivation with a horse-ho^. Cultivation after the seed has germinated is essential, and con be effected by harrowing at int'rvals w th tine harrows, the process being reputed until the plants have become U'o high. H.arrowij:g has n twofold off act weed contioi and the conversation of moisture—both essent'al to the young plants. Wnen the plants are established, and too high to allow of further cultivation, the crop may safely be left to take its course, and will grow ! rapidly during hot and dry weather. ! VARIETIES TO GROW, Probably Sorghum imphee and Sorgbum sacctiaratum are the best' varieties. These produce "heavy crvps i of succulent fodder. Eavly Amber Cane is aieo a good cropper. It shouM be tut before die stalks become tvoody. Japance millet, WhitH French ibillet, aiiii Egyptian millet are suhabie varieties. White French does hoi produce as much fodder aa the other varieties, bur grows rapidly and matures earlier. MANURES AM) SEEt). It must be remembered that these crops ore gross feeders, hence liberal manuring- is requisite. A combination of bonedust, superphosphate, and sulphate of potash make a suitable mauurial mixture, and the quantity ap> .plied will be decided by the grower, About 20 lb. of seed per acre is a literal quantity if broadcast, but, if drill* ed, 6 ib* will be sufficienti WHEX TO CUT, Millet tna^ be cflt immediately after flowering | if left later, hard Seed-hoads aio formed, and the stalks become fi' brous and unpalatable. Sorghum should not be used until the plants are intasKel, as previous to this stage tho plant may prove injurious.