King of Fodder Plants

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 200, 12 November 1927, Page 25 (Supplement)

King of Fodder Plants

CULTIVATION OF LUCERNE An Ancient Friend BY many lucerne is regarded as a fodder plant not long out past the experimental stage. There are farmers who have held off putting down a stand mainly on account of their own uncertainty as to its growth. Lucerne was known and valued by the ancient Israelites and was also one of the principal fodder crops of the Greeks and Romans. Writers of the times substantiate this.

in some localities the estab- ! * * lishment of lucerne gives little 1 trouble, in others it calls for highlyskilled farming, and will only respond to such. It will thrive in most soils, however, and is a universal grower that can be looked for anywhere between the equator and the Antarctic. It grows equally well in Switzerland or the hot irrigated areas of North and South America. Rich in proteins, it well merits the appellation, “King of fodder plaais." It is recognised everywhere as equal to more than double the value of ordinary pastures, and, apart from that, is a valuable agent in improving the fertility of the soil. Its deep penetrating roots when decayed loosen, aerate and drain the soil, while the nitrogen-absorbing properties of the plant leave it so enriched that the follow-up crops, provided other things are equal, do exceedingly well. Used by Romans Lucerne was utilised by the Romans in the hey-day of their prosperity, and there is evidence to show that they introduced the fodder into England during their early attempts at colonisation. Like the Romans when they lost their slaves, however,

there was too much attention required in cultivation and care of lucerne to attract any but the most energetic, and it largely fell into disrepute. On other parts of the Continents of Europe and Asia it was cultivated with much success. Not until toward the 18th century is there much mention of the plant being grown in England, however, and then it appears its culture was restricted to only a small minority of the farming community. Even to-day it is not as popular there as it might be, and only in certain districts is it extensively used. In the countries of the new world to-day lucerne is reoognised as one of the staple crops. Huge areas of land in the Argentine and the United States have been made highly productive only as a result of the intensive cultivation of lucerne. When everything else in the form of pasture has been dried up and burnt, reserves of lucerne have carried the graziers through until the coming of the rains. In the Argentine, especially, many pastoralists make a practice of practically depending on lucerne and graze it wherever possible. There it is not merely confined to one small portion or paddock of the holding; in many cases it is to be found on the greater portion of the property. Drought-Resisting Properties In certain districts of Australia its drought-resisting properties have proved a boon to the resourceful farmer in times of fodder shortage. While the plant is no stranger to New Zealand, too little use is made of it. and only during the last quarter of a century has it received any prominence at all. As elsewhere it has proved itself worth any two other fodder pastures; yet many farmers will have none of it. Many are not prepared to give it the necessary care and attention, and many again are afraid to tackle it. Lucerne certainly requires attention

• and more labour than the ordinary j grass pastures, but what is there worth while that doesn’t need a little extra effort? The essentials in establishing it have been stressed in these columns time and time again. Apart from that, application to any Government instructor will bring the necessary' information whenever required. Even when it is established, however, the crop is one that requires constant attention if it is to be expected to last, and it can last, too. In some known cases stands of lucerne are so old that their actual age is unknown. Once established,* however, and given proper treatment, there is nothing to prevent them giving service for upwards of aquarter of a century. Care at First Cutting Great care should be taken in the first year not to cut the crop too early. It should never be cut before It is blooming and fresh young bulbs appear at the root of the plant. Far better is it to leave the job too late than to cut too soon as a setback at that stage will mean much in future production. Even if there are weeds coming away and threatening to choke the crop, haste in putting the mower in does not pay. The weeds will get

all the setback they require in good time, and the rapid growth of the sturdy young plant, well developed, will do the rest. Like all other crops, lucerne responds to top-dressing. Cultivation is also essential. The tine harrows over it after every cut will not do any harm and it. should always receive a good stirring up at the end of the autumn. For an apparently exhausted stand many practical farmers advocate a thorough discing, chopping weeds and everything else up. This is held ny some to be too severe, however, as hacking the crown of the plant about leaves it more susceptible to disease. Reviving the Stands Another method that has been tried with a great deal of success is skim ploughing the surface of the ground to a depth of three or four inches. This, while it makes a clean cut in the lucerne, thoroughly stirs up the 001 l and weeds, and the crop comes away again as fresh as ever. No one ever advocated lucerne as a lazy man’s crop. It isn’t, but its a practical profit-seeker’s. It will bring results on practically any class of soil, but the heaviest to be found in New Zealand. What is more, if greater use of that fodder were made in this country, then there would ertainly be less call for the cries heard in all parts immediately there is a period of fodder shortage, such as in times of drought or a severe winter. Large areas of light ploughable country in New Zealand to-day, especially in the southern part of the Auckland Province, are practically undeveloped. What is there to prevent lucerne playing a big part in their being brought into a state of intensive production? Similar results have been brought about overseas. Who is there to ay that New Zealanders are incapable of following suit?