FODDER CROP EXPERIMENTS.

Shannon News, 13 January 1922, Page 3

FODDER CROP EXPERIMENTS.

RESULTS OF KEEN OBSERVATIONS

Some rather notable results, due to keen observation, have been achieved by Mr W. .1. McCulloch, manager of the Central Development Farm, in tfie growing of different grass mixtures, smother crops, etc., which should he of value to -the farming community and others interested in the cultivation of the soil. The results were shown to a Chronicle representative yesterday. In the first case tAvo areas of equal, acreage were set aside, and one was sown in the spring and the other in the following May with a mixture consisting of 151 b of perennial rye, 101 b Italian rye, 51b cocksfoot, 31b timothy, 31b cowgrass or perennial red clover, and 21b alsike. In the autumn-sown crop the red clover failed, with the exception of odd plants here arid there, whilst the alsike and other grasses 'are all in evidence. The spring-sown area alongside provides a striking contrast, for the red clover dominates the ground Avith a very heavy crop, and scarcely any other plant is observable. The lesson to he draAvn is l that the autumn is unsuitable for the soAving of red clover, whereas the warmth of the spring and summer brings it aAvay in a prolific manner. Another area was tried- to ascertain is varying quantities of cowgrass or red clover Avould give corresponding returns in fodder. Three mixtures were sown as follows:. (1) 81b of Italian rye and 121 b of red clover; (2) 301 b Italian rye, 41b red clover and 21b alsike; (3) 301 b Italian rye, 21b red clover and lib alsike. This experiment showed that the red clover did well in all the plots, and there Avas practically no difference in the quantity of fodder, the 21b of red clover giving practically as good a return as 121 b. The saving that can be effected by soAving accordingly is therefore considerable. A test Avas made Avith alsike to see if this fodder Avas perennial or not, although it is generally regarded as such by farmers. Mixtures of 301 bof Italian rye and 4lb alsike and the same quantity of Italian, Avith 21b aisike Avere tried. These crops were sown three years ago, and yesterday it Avas seen that the alsike had all hut disappeared, shoAving it is hut a temporary fodder. An important function is performed by smother crops in the clearing of land, and at the same time the crops can be converted into hay purposes. Oats and tares is one of the bestknown smother .crops. Mr McCulloch has this season tried mixtures of Gallon oats and tares and Algerians and tares. The two lots are growing in adjoining allotments, and the difference is remarkable. The Gartons Avere robust of growth, and stood 2ft Gin high, with the tares clinging to the stalks right to the top oT ihe straw, the ground being completely covered with a strong, thick growth. The Algerians on the other hand, owing to different characteristics, were thinner and shorter in the stalk, measuring only 1 ft 9in, and the tares had not progressed nearly so well as was the case with the Gartons. PreAfious to cultivation the land had been badly infested Avith docks. Among the Algerians large numbers of ducks have re-appeared, but very few AAfith the Gartons, shoAving that the latter, along Avith tares, Avas the better smother crop.

Another fodder that has beefl closely observed in order to get the best results is lucerne. To leave this crop too long before cutting alioAved it to become infested with other groAvlhs, whilst the lucerne itself became rank. Mr McCulloch is convinced that the ol'tener lucerne is cut the cleaner it will Ije, hut the young growth at the foot of the stalk should be observed before cutting commences. If the young shoots are appearing a cut can be made, and the next groAvfii will come aAvay immediately, but if the shoots are allowed to grow long enough to he taken off by the machine. there will be a delay before the next crop appears.