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Unirrigated Alfalfa

Categories: Grains and Forage Crops

In what part of the State does alfalfa grow best without irrigation?



Obviously the parts which have the greatest rainfall in connection with

retentive soil and plenty of summer heat. Alfalfa grows best without

irrigation on "sub-irrigated" land where the ground water is

sufficiently deep to allow a deep rooting of the plant in free soil and

yet not too far down to be readily reached by the deep-running roots.

Good results can be obtained with anywhere from four to ten or twelve

feet of soil above water. On shallower soils the plant is apt to be

short-lived through root troubles. Unirrigated alfalfa is also reduced

by the incursions of gophers which flooding at least once a year will

destroy.



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