I  a *1 
TEXAS AGRICIJLTUR-MIJ5EXEHQMENCI‘% STATION.

BULLETIN NO. 66.

Agwicultural Section-MAY, 1908—F09"age Crops.

Alfalfa crown showing tubercles (natural swan-planted March 20, 1901—yieZdad per acre
3165 pounds hay during 1.901, and 11000 pounds during 1902. ’

ALFALFA
EEANUTS
VELVET BEANS
|v|||.|_|:'r

ERAPE

POSTOFPTC E2
COLLEGE STATIQN. BRAZOS COUNTY, TEXLKS-

»

TEXAS ABBIBULTURIII. EXPERIMENT STATIUNS.

OFFICERS.

GOVERNING BOARD.

(BoARD OF DIRECTORS A. AND M. COLLEGE.)

M. SANsoM, President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Alvarado. 
F. A. REICHARDT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Houston. 
P. H. ToBIN .....................................  ...................... ..Denison. I
K. K. LEeeETT ....... ..  . . . . .  .................................. ..Abilene. 
GEo. T. J ESTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  ............................... ..Corsicana. 
W. J. CLAY ................................  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Austin. 
A. HAIDUSEK.. ....................................................... ..La Grange. i?
L. D. IAMsLER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Hempstead.

STATION OFFICERS.
DAVID F. HoUsToN, LL. D., President of the College.

WILLIAM D. GIBBS, M. S ............................... ..Dean and Director.
A H. H. HARRINGTON, M.  .................................... ..Chemist.
M. FRANoIs, D. V. M ............................................ ..Veterinarian.
B. C. PITTUGK, B. S. A ....................................... ..Agriculturist.
E. J. KYLE, M. S. ............................................. ..Horticulturist.
E. DWIGHT SANDERsoN, M. S ................ ..Consu1ting Entomologist.
E. C. GREEN, B. S ................................ .. Assistant Horticulturist.
N. FRAENKEL, Ph. D ......  ............................ ..Assistant Chemist.
J. W. CARsoN, B. S. A. ......  .......... .........Superintendent of Farm.
J. G. HARRIsoN .............................................. ........Bookkeeper.

SU B-EXPERIMEN T STATIONS.

Beeville, Bee county . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..S. A. MGHENBY, Superintendent.
Troupe, Smith county ...................  P. STILEs, Superintendent.

N OTE.— The main station is located on the grounds of the Agricul-
tural and lllechanical College, in Brazos county. The postojice
address is COLL EGE S T AT l 01V, T EXAS. Reports are sent
free of cost to farmers, horticalturists and stochm en of the State upon
application to the Director.

* Resigned March 1, 1903.

FORAGE CROPS.

B. C. PITTFCK.

T0 say that grasses and forage plants constitute the foundation of agricul-
tural prosperity and progress is merely to restate a fact well known in every
civilized country for more than two thousand years. This fact becomes every
year more and more important as population increases and open range decreases.
That this importance is being appreciated, the correspondence of this Station
and its intercourse with farmers abundantly proves. There is a greater acreage
and money value represented in grasses and forage plants than in any other
crops.

Every farmer who raises live stock should grow forage crops, for by their
use his native pastures can be reduced in area and the productive capacity of
his farm increased; they enable the farmer to secure green feed at seasons of the
year when most needed; the leguminous forage crops furnish a cheap but very
valuable form of manure for maintaining soil fertility.

Our virgin soils are usually well supplied with nitrogen and potash, and
with phosphoric acid and lime in medium quantities. The system of farming
practiced in Texas reduces the phosphoric acid and nitrogen to minimum
quantities, and very frequently the acids, due to the decay of organic matter and
processes of nitrification which take place in the soil, almost destroy the lime
content. The only remedy is the application of plant food in the form of com-
mercial fertilizers, or manures, and the growing and turning under of leguminous
crops. The legumes furnish to the farmer the cheapest source of nitrogen for
his soil.

Live stock should form a large part of every system of farming, both from the
profits resulting from their feeding and sales and for the manure produced, which
should be carefully saved and returned to the land. It was long ago discovered
that growing the same crops continuously would exhaust the best of soils, but it
was not known Why. Chemical analyses have shown the substances removed by
such crops, and as they vary with the different growths, the explanation of the
exhaustion is apparent. On all cultivated lands the cowpea, or some other
nitrogen gathering plant, should occupy the fields once at least in four years, for
the purpose of replacing the nitrogen removed by other growths. The other con-
stituents are usually maintained in due proportion by the general rotation. Five
tons of alfalfa hay contain about 219 pounds of nitrogen, 51 pounds of phosphoric
acid and 168 pounds of potash. One might suppose the production and removal
of such crops would rapidly exhaust the soil, especially of its nitrogen; but it is
well known that the soil actually improves in nitrogen, the most cosily element
of plant food. This is why the legumes when grown and plowed under are such
beneficial fertilizers.

All the legumes are nitrogen gatherers. This peculiar property is due to
minute bacteria which live on the roots of the plants, forming nodules. These
bacteria have the property of extracting nitrogen from the air in more than
sufficient quantities for their own use, which is utilized by the host plant. They
multiply rapidly and live a very short time, dying and adding nitrogen to the
soil. With the exception of the early growth of the legumes all of the nitrogen
used by them is secured from the air. These bacteria do not live in acid soils,
consequently for best results with this family of plants on such soils, condi-
tions should be corrected by applications of lime. In some sections of the
country the absence of these bacteria renders the growing of many of our legumes
difficult. In such localities inoculation of the land with soils from fields where
such crops are being successfully grown will be found beneficial. In Texas, how-
ever, the natural wild growth of the legumes is so great that there is hardly
any soil within the State that doesnot contain the nitrogen gathering bacteria
in sufficient numbers to insure profitable growths, provided other conditions are
favorable.

The advent of the Mexican boll weevil into the cotton area of Texas, and the
admission of entomologists that it is a most difficult problem to solve, has

4 TIEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION.

caused the farmers of that section to turn their attention t0 other crops. The
system of farming practiced so long in this section will undoubtedly have to be
changed. The fertile river bottom lands of Texas that have so long produced a
large per cent of the cotton of this State will produce from four to SIX tons
of alfalfa per acre. Four tons of alfalfa hay at $18 (the present price) per
ton, is more than equal to 1.44 500-pound bales cotton at 10 cents per pound, and
six tons per acre is more than equal to 2.16 SOD-pound bales. In the overflow
districts alfalfa is liable to be killed by standing water of twenty-four to thirty-
six hours duration, depending upon the season of overflow. But if only one pr
two cuttings can be had, it would pay to replant each year. This district Wlll
grow other crops to perfection such as oats, peas, potatoes, rape, peanuts, sor-
ghum, etc. The change seems to be most naturally in the direction of stock
farming. ,

Texas is peculiarly adapted to stock raising. Upon the western plains where
land is cheap the native grasses afiord abundant green pasturage during the
summer, and many species self cure without losing their nutritive properties,
thus affording pasturage during the winter months. In these sections the native
pastures can be supplemented to good advantage with Kaflir corn, milo maize,
rape, and where irrigation is to be had, alfalfa. In other sections where the
rainfall is more abundant the number of forage plants of value greatly increase
in number. Corn, sorghum, alfalfa, Kafiir corn, milo maize, rape, peanuts and
many of the cultivated grasses will afford pasturage, meadows and dry forage
during the hot months, while oats, wheat, rape, vetches, burr clover, rescue
grass and others will furnish green feed during the fall, winter and early spring
months. Bearing in mind that the cheapest meat is produced without grain, the
advantage of green crops and proper rotations to secure such feeds at all season's,
is apparent.

In the following pages the experiences of many reliable farmers are noted
concerning the growth and adaptability of many of our forage crops. Seeds
were distributed by the Station to all farmers sufiiciently interested to give them
a fair and impartial trial. The first report on co-operative experiments was
included in Bulletin No. 59. It is the intention of the Station to furnish upon
request small amounts of seeds of grasses and forage plants to farmers, when-
ever practicable, requiring in return a full report concerning growth, maturity,
adaptation, value, etc.

 

FORAGE CRoPs

ALFALFA.

Alfalfa should receive the attention of
farmers in every section of Texas where
conditions are in any way favorable to its
growth. At present prices, after it is once
established, a yield of one ton of hay- per
acre will afford a good profit, while yields
of four and six tons, which are not unusual
on favorable soils, makes the investment
exceedingly profitable. The present demand
is much greater than the supply and
bids fair to increase in greater propor-
tion during the coming year. Its increasing
popularity with the farmer is based upon
sound business principles, as its value does
not consist solely in its market price, but
in its value as feed for his stock and food
for his soil. It will furnish green pastur-
age and hay of the best quality without
materially impoverishing the soil.

Many farmers refrain from planting
alfalfa because some neighbor, far or near,
planted on land apparently similar to theirs,
and it died of

known as cotton root rot.

the disease commonly
It would be
far better for each farmer to test his own
land, for alfalfa may be affected by this
fungus at one place and entirely unaffected
on ground only a few rods away. The
value of an alfalfa meadow is such as to
warrant a farmer in giving considerable
time, labor and study to the plant, before
deciding that natural conditions prohibit

him from successfully growing it.

Entzre alllfalfa plant, 2 years old.

6 TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION.

The following table gives the analysis of a number of our feed stuffs, showing
the percentage of digestible nutrients and fertilizing constituents in each:

 

8 Digestible nutrients in Fertilizer constituents in
z 100 pounds. _ 1000 pounds.
U)
.333 g m . d E
r’ i1 ' w r- ~° o o s!
1s P‘ Q o
a 8. s2 ~33 2 g 29 gs 2
s 8 5i s: .2  8
g n‘ .21 Q Z a n‘
Hays:
Alfalfa ......................... .. 91.6 11.0 39.6 1.2 21.9 5.1 16.8
Cowpea ........................ .. 89.3 10.8 38.6 1.1 19.5 5.2 14.7
Oat hay ............  ......... .. 91.1 4.3 46.4 1.5 ........................................... ..
Fodder corn, ................ .. 57.8 2.5 34.6 1.2 17.6 5 4 8 9
Sorghum. .................... .. 82.04 2.4 40.6 1.2 ........................................... ..
Cotton seed hulls ......... .. 88.9 .3 33.1 1.7 6.9 2.5 10.2
Green feeds:
Alfa1fa....    28.2 3.9 12.7 .5 7.2 1.3 5.6
Gowpea ........................ .. 16.4 1.8 8.7 .2 2.7 1.0 3.1
Oat fodder .................. .. 37.8 1.6 18.9 1.0 4.9 1.3 3.8
Corn silage .................. .. 20.9 .9 11.3 .7 2.8 1.1 3.7
Sorghum .................... .. 82.4 2.4 4.1 1.2 .......................................... ..
GRape ........................... .. 14.0 1.5 8.1 .2 4.5 1.5 3.6
ra.1ns:
Wheat bran ................ .. 88.1 12.2 39.2 2.7 26.7 28.9 16.1
Cotton seed meal. . 91.8 37.2 16.9 12.2 67.9 28.8 8.7
Corn ................... .. 89.1 7.9 66.7 4.3 18.2 7.0 4.0
Cowpea .............. .. .. 85.2 18.3 54.2 1.1 33.3 ........................... ..
Cotton seed .................. .. 89.7 12.5 - 30.0 17.3 31.3 12.7 11 7

From the above table we find that five tons of alfalfa hay contain 1,100 pounds
protein, and is equal in this food element to

Cotton seed meal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2,956 pounds

Linseed meal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3,754 pounds

Wheat bran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9,016 pounds

Cowpea hay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10,185 pounds

Red clover hay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 16,176 pounds

Timothy hay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 39,285 pounds

Alfalfa prefers deep, moist and warm soils. Its range of profitable growth
under natural conditions in Texas practically coincides with the corn growing
belt. Wherever fair crops of corn can be grown profitable crops of alfalfa may
be reasonably expected. Wet soils are distinctly unfavorable for alfalfa, and
soils underlaid near the surface with stiff subsoils are ill "suited to its longevity.
Any warm soils with a good moisture content and containing a fair per cent of
the mineral elements of plant food will grow alfalfa—the yield per acre depending
on the fertility of the land. The rich and fertile river bottom lands and the
black lands formed by the decomposition of limestone formations are ideal soils.
Alfalfa delights in the presence of the mineral elements of plant food, especially
lime. Alfalfa is a fastidious plant. It is a deep rooted plant and requires deep
soils for best results. Much also depends upon the preparation of the seed bed
even on the most fertile soils, for the reason that it is necessary that the young
plant be well supplied with moisture near the surface, and that a vigorous root
system be established that will enable it to withstand the effects of frosts and
drouths.

There are none of our forage crops that will respond more readily to a
thorough preparation of the seed bed than alfalfa. It might be said that for
best results it is demanded, and no mistake will be made, if the same degree
of preparation and careful planting is given the seed bed for alfalfa as is
required by the truck grower for his onion crop. Many failures with this crop
in Texas would have been turned into success if this important step had been
more carefully considered. Thorough harrowing breaks up the soil into fine
particles so that it easily comes in direct contact with the seed, and rolling after
planting compacts the surface and serves to hold the moisture around the seed.
Alfalfa seed being small, demand favorable conditions for successful germina-

h qiwa 38o =33 e33 e225 x3. .393 §§:@ Q: mfiwgin. Qigfizn § M~Q$Q3 Qwaww $22.83.

8 TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION.

  

tion. Rains following close after rolling of the land are liable to compact the;
surface 0f the soil to such an extent as to render it a difficult matter for the
young plants to push through. This condition can be remedied by harrowing,,
which not only breaks the crust and allows the plants to easily push through, '7
but exerts a beneficial effect on the tilth of the soil and the eradication of weed"

growth.
Alfalfa may be planted either during the fall or spring, the presence of favor-

able conditions determining the exact time. Fall plantings in Texas are to be '
preferred because a longer growing season is usually obtained before the appear- l
ance of unfavorable conditions. Spring plantings, however, are not to be dis- 
couraged. Land that has been thoroughly broken up during the winter and Well '-
prepared during early spring and that is fairly free of weed growth may be

successfully sown in alfalfa. Avoid planting alfalfa on newly broken land.

The amount of seed to be sown to the acre depends upon the method of plant- -

ing and thoroughness of preparation of the soil. In the drill ten to fifteen pounds
will be sufficient, while a broadcast planting will require from twenty to twenty-
five pounds. The depth of planting will vary according to the amount of moisture
in the soil. If the surface soil is dry the seed should be covered not less than
one inch. Utah and Kansas furnish the bulk of our commercial crop of alfalfa
seed. Well-matured seed will retain their germinating power without showing
any perceptible degree of deterioration for a number of years. This statement
is contrary to the general belief, but is supported by the results of well authen-
ticated tests. Professor Headden, of Colorado, gives out the following results of
tests made to determine the germinability of alfalfa seed:

Germinating
Description Years Old. Power.
Prime seed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 96

Prime seed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 92

Prime seed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3 98

Prime seed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6 93

Screenings, first quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1 66

Screenings, first quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 55

Screenings, first quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3 79

Screenings, second quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 38

Screenings, third quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1 38

It is evident from the above table that it is a waste of seed to plant as much
as thirty pounds of alfalfa seed to the acre, especially on thoroughly prepared
soil. Professor Headden found that a six-year-old field of alfalfa contained 635,-
400 plants per acre (l5 to the square foot) and another ten years old contaied
526,793 (12 to the square foot) plants per acre, and still another which con-
tained 139,392 (3 to the square foot) plants per acre. These fields yielded prac-
tically the same amount of hay——about four tons per acre. A twelve-year-old
field was found to contain only 70,283 plants per acre, and yielded more than
three tons of hay per acre. Professor Clothier, of the Kansas Stations, says that
a pound of alfalfa seed contains approximately 210,000 seed. Good seed will
germinate ninety per cent. Thirty pounds with a ninety per cent germination
would give 5,670,000 plants. Calculating that one-tenth of the young plants live
we would have 567,000 plants per acre. Twenty to twenty-five pounds is amply
suflicient, and even less under favorable conditions.

A Brazos bottom planter who has a large acreage in alfalfa, in a conversation
concerning the amount of seed to be sown per acre, said: “My manager planted
thirty pounds of seed per acre last fall. It is too much. The plants are
crowded, and compared with my old fields, there are at least three times as many
plants to the acre.”

The general conditions existing in Texas are favorable to the successful curing
of alfalfa hay. Where large acreages are grown it is of the utmost importance
that barn space be provided for the hay. It is a difficult matter to cure and
stack it in the field. If the weather is warm and dry the crop can be cut in the
morning after the dew is off the ground and winrowed during the afternoon
after the plant has become wilted but the leaves not yet brittle. Usually, how-
ever, it is raked on the following morning. Much of the nutriment of alfalfa is
contained in the leaves, which fact emphasizes the ‘statement that it should be
handled in curing as little as possible. Cut alfalfa that has been rained on

FORAGE CRoPs. 9

demands the utmost care t0 cure properly, because of the tendency of the leaves
to become brittle and shatter. The injurious effects of rains on cut alfalfa is
not so much the leaching out of food elements, but the accompanying loss of
leaves caused by the extra handling which is necessitated. Alfalfa should be out
when about one-fourth the crop is in bloom. Its protein composition is highest
at this time and lowest when in full seed.

Alfalfa sliould not be pastured until it has matured a good hardy crown and
root system to enable it to Withstand the trampling of stock. At least two years
should be allowed the crop for this purpose, and even more would be conducive to
a hardy crop. If green feed is desired the alfalfa can be cut and fed as a soiling
crop during this time. Spring pasturing of alfalfa is responsible for the dis-
appearance of many good stands. At this time of year the plant is just recover-
ing from the effects of low temperature and needs all of its energies. If cut
during early spring, the sickle bar should be set higher than usual.

D0 not turn a hungry or thirsty animal in an alfalfa field. By observing this
rule and further accustoming them to it by gradually increasing their time of feed-
ing, little or no injurious effect will accompany the pasturing of horses and hogs.
Cattle are more liable to bloat, and even with the best of care and attention
fatal cases will occur. Soiling cattle is the safest method of feeding them
alfalfa. The Kansas Station estimated the value of green alfalfa fed for seventy-
four days to dairy cattle at $25.26 per acre. Profitable results have been secured
by feeding alfalfa to steers, care being exercised to prevent scouring, by
gradually increasing the amount to the maximum quantity. Pigs thrive on
alfalfa pasture—twelve to fifteen head of pigs may be turned on an acre of
alfalfa with the best results. In combination with a finishing ration of grain it
is most effective. Experiments in feeding alfalfa to horses indicate that the cost
of maintenance is reduced.

ALFALFA ON BRAZOS BOTTOM SOILS.

Alfalfa has been successfully sown both during the spring and fall season on
Brazos bottom lands, preference, however, being given to fall plantings. The
soil of this section is deep, fertile, warm and well drained—an ideal soil for
alfalfa. It produces the finest alfalfa in the world. The uncertainty of the
cotton crop will naturally increase the acreage of alfalfa. A large part of this
section is subject to overflows of from one to eight days’ duration. The unquali-
fied statement that such conditions existing from twenty-four to thirty-six hours
will kill alfalfa, has caused many to hesitate. Alfalfa is naturally opposed to
wet soils, but where favorable soil conditions exist, well-matured alfalfa has a
wonderful power of recuperation. Winter overflows have been found to be less
injurious than those occurring during the summer months. The late summer
overflows are not of frequent occurrence. Much practical experience of value
has been gained by the planters concerning summer overflows in this region dur-
ing the past four or five years. The destructive effect of the overflows is greater
on the immediate river front land, and in practically every instance where such
lands were devoted to alfalfa the crop was killed out to an unprofitable stand.
The heavy deposits of sediment on the plants, in some instances completely cover-
ing them, prevents the natural life functions of the plant. As we go further
back from the river front the amount of sediment carried by the water is mate-
rially reduced. . -

Mr. J. O. Chance, who has a large acreage of alfalfa in the Brazos bottom,
in speaking of the effect of overflow said: “My alfalfa is on land about two
miles from the river. The overflow of last summer did not completely cover my
crop, but remained on the land the greater part of six days. lt was running
water. My alfalfa land is well drained, except in spots. The crop was only
slightly injured except in the low places where the water stood for some time
after the overflow waters had receded. In such placesiit was killed out. I
have an old alfalfa field located on creek bottom land which has been over-
flowed not less than twenty times during the past two years. The drainage of
this piece is excellent, and the water rarely remains on the land for more than
eighteen hours. No particular ill effects from these overflows have been noticed.
The deposit of sediment on alfalfa is dangerous to its growth, but if light rains
follow the overflows it will be washed ofl’. Succeeding hot, dry weather is gen-
erally fatal to the stand.”

10 TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION.

Robert F. Smith, of the Smith & Carson plantation, said: “A large part of
our alfalfa was under water nearly eight days last summer, and being located near
the river front was covered with eight to ten inches of sediment. About four
weeks later this land was prepared for fall oats. A good ‘sprinkling of alfalfa
came up with the oats, having survived the severe conditions to which it had
been subjected. I believe there is very little danger to alfalfa from overflows
back from the river, say from one to two miles, except in poorly drained spots.
A light rain following the receding of the overflow waters is a great help, as it
washes the sediment off the plants. The overflow of this winter did not injure
my crop planted last fall, although it was on the land for at least two days and
completely covered it during a part of that time.”

Mr. Coulter said: “The recent winter overflow did not seriously injure my
alfalfa, although it is located on the river front. The rains following the reced-
ing of the waters cleaned ofi’ the sediment that had been deposited on the leaves.
After last summer’s overflow, which covered my alfalfa for six or seven days,
the land was plowed as soon as possible and planted in peas. Quite a lot of the
alfalfa came up with the peas.”

John Nabors said: “1f there is not too much sediment and it is running water,
alfalfa will stand overflows of long duration, and especially so if the overflow is
followed by light rains to clean off the sediment from the plants.”

The alfalfa on the Koppe plantation is located about one mile from the river. ,1
The overflow of last summer completely covered this field for at least five days— "

the fence posts were almost entirely under. The alfalfa only died in poorly
drained spots and where scalded by the sun.
It is quite evident from the experiences noted above that little danger is t0

be apprehended with alfalfa from winter overflows on well drained land that i
lies back from the river front. The very heavy deposit of sediment along the .

immediate river front makes such locations very undesirable. The deposit of
sediment on alfalfa is most dangerous from summer overflows, because at that

time it prevents the active growing functions of the plant which is being devoted f t‘ ‘
to the formation of stalk and leaves. During the winter the plant is practically i
in a dormant stage, and is not so seriously injured. The scalding effect of hot

suns following summer overflows is perhaps responsible for most of the injury.
RESULTS W1TH ALFALFA.

During 1901 we received a package of alfalfa seed from Utah which was
claimed to be especially valuable as a drouth resister. This seed was planted
along with seed purchased of one of our Texas seed houses on March 20, 1091,
both germinating evenly and to a good stand by April lst. Two cuttings from
each were secured from each planting the first year, the latter cutting being
badly damaged by worms. There was practically no difference in the yield—the

total for the two cuttings being 3165 pounds per acre with the former and 3175 

pounds per acre with the latter. Five cuttings were secured last year, averaging
in the case of the Utah seed more than one ton. The following table gives the
date and yield of each cutting, showing a difference in favor of the Utah grown
seed of 2071 pounds:

         

 

Cuttings. Value at
A TPtfQ $18.00 per
y 1e ‘ ton.
Apr. 26 May 26 July 21 Aug. 14 Nov. 15
_A__ j 1 __
Utah seed ............. .. . ................... .. 2268 4083 2722 928 1000 i 11001 $5 99 00 V’
Ordinary ...................................... _. 1| 1561 3176 2268 i 1175 950 l 8930 80 37 .,“
A l

Mr. Hal McFarland, of Tyler, Smith county, makes the following report:

“Alfalfa was planted on soil of only fair fertility, which averages about twent
bushels of corn per acre. It was previously cropped with oats and peas. Fal

planting, October 15th, and spring planting, March 4th. Both plantings germi- 
nated in about fifteen days. The spring crop of 1901 withstood the severest g

drouth in this section for years. The fall crop was killed by the severe freezes
of December 16th and 17th. I believe the effect of the freeze would have been

4rxnv-h-llw-l

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F ORAGE CRoPs. 11

  
  
    
   
   
     
  
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
   
  
  
 
   
   
   
 
    
 
    
  

minimized if the land had been rolled. The ground was very loose and had had
no rain to settle it. On a strip of rich sandy land, high and dry, and capable 0f
producing forty bushels of corn per acre, alfalfa planted March 4, 1901, with-
, stood a seventy-five days’ drouth and gave its first cutting June 1st, second cut-
. ting July 15th, third cutting September lst, and fourth cutting before frost.
_ I am satisfied that on good land alfalfa will prove of great value to the farmers
 of this section. I have induced a number to plant alfalfa, and wherever good

E land was used a profitable crop has been secured. As you see, it is a mistaken
f idea as to alfalfa requiring a great deal of moisture. My crop was made, and a
I.’ good one, too, with but little rain during the growing season.”

 An experimenter from Comfort, Kendall county, says: “Alfalfa was planted
I: April 5th on dark sandy soil underlaid with gravel and only five or six feet to
 water. Germinated April 12th, first blooms June 2nd, last blooms September
‘ 25th. Made four cuttings of an average height of two feet. The season was hot
 and dry. In my opinion, it is a very profitable crop.”
j Mr. R. E. Delaney, of Garrison, Nacogdoches county, says: “Alfalfa was
planted October 28th on rich hammock land six years in cultivation. ‘Made’
Yplot was used. Germinated middle of November. Only a few plants lived until
l the middle of April. Rainfall was normal. Dr. E. S. Adams planted alfalfa
_,0n very light sandy land with yellow porous subsoil. He fertilized the land
~well and has secured three or four cuttings.”
; Mr. Edward K. Carr, of Kerrville, Kerr county, Texas, says: “Alfalfa was
planted March 6th on limestone soil and germinated to a fair stand about March
115th. Had plenty of rain and secured two cuttings the first year. The drouth,
i‘ ‘which was very severe during the following year. cut the growth of the alfalfa
ofl' short. It will undoubtedly prove valuable in this section for grazing horses
and hogs, and during good seasons will make good yields of fine quality hay.”

Mr. E. Schumm, of Runnels, Runnels county, Texas, says: “Alfalfa was
p planted November 1st on black sandy soil well broken during September and

thoroughly harrowed before planting. Season was favorable towards germina-
tion, which took place November 13th. The entire crop was destroyed by the
blizzard of December 13th.”

Mr. R. H. Work, of Santo, Palo Pinto county, Texas, says: “Alfalfa was
planted March 22nd on good upland soil which had been well pulverized by plow-
ing and harrowing. Germinated April 3rd. Growth was poor on account of the
very hot and dry weather. First bloom June 14th. Rainfall was below normal.
The extreme heat killed the stand during July and August.”

. Mr. Chris Rumley, of Pigeon, Erath county, Texas, says: “Alfalfa was planted
March 31st on sandy soil with clay subsoil. Germinated April 12th. May 18th
't was three inches in height. Out July 10th. July 28th, second growth was
ight inches high, after which it grew very little. The hot, dry winds during

e growing season injured the stand.”

Mr. J. F. McCarty, of Floydada, Floyd county, Texas, says: “Alfalfa planted
eptember 7th germinated September 13th. I am confident of its success here,
d intend sowing ten or twenty acres.”

"Mr. B. F. Grantham, of Whitney, Hill county, Texas, says: “The alfalfa seed
nt me was planted and came up to a good stand. It stood the drouth well. I
ave one and one-half acres of fine looking alfalfa.”

Mr. Isaac Grindstoff, of Peaster, Parker county, says: “My alfalfa was
lanted in the drill and on a deep, sandy, well drained soil. Planted April 25th,
tgerminated June 4th. It made splendid growth. It grew right along during
e drouth when nearly everything else was burning up. My experience leads
n to believe that alfalfa will prove a profitable crop in many places in Parker
lmty.”

Mr. Jasper N. Haney, of Weatherford, Parker county, says: “The alfalfa
-.-- sent me was planted March 17th, on sandy soil six inches deep underlaid
'th a stiff red clay subsoil. Fresh, last year corn, well broke and pulverized in
ovember and rebroke and pulverized before planting. It is upland soil and weIl
1 ained. Germinated to good stand by March 27th. Growth was fairly vigorous
til retarded by drouth, which continued from April until July 24th. It made

I average of twelve inches in growth, although grazed by turkeys and chickens,
hich seemed to be very fond of it. Reverting to an experiment twelve years ago
m similar land, I am satisfied that alfalfa is a valuable grazing and hay crop
-\- i this section.”

12 TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION.

PEAN UTS.

   
  
  
  
   
  
    
   
  

The peanut as a forage and pasture plant israpidly, and deservedly, becom'
popular with the Texas farmer. Being a legume, it exercises a beneficial efi‘ 
on the soil, and at the same time furnishes a highly nitrogenous feed-stu
greatly relished by stock as green feed 0r as hay. Peanuts are partial to loosg
soils of a light color. The land should be well drained and not too rich in vegefl
table matter. Barnyard manure should be used only in small quantities. Phos-fi
phoric acid and potash are the main elements of plant food required by that
peanut for best results. Too much lime in the soil will result in a large per
cent of unsalable nuts. Wood ashes, Kainit, cotton seed meal, acid phosphate
and the manures will be found profitable applications when used judiciously.
Dark soils have a tendency to produce dark-colored nuts, and light soils light-
colored nuts, the latter having a higher commercial value, though for feeding
purposes the vines and nuts are practically of the same value.

Peanuts should be planted early in the spring after all danger of frost, i
rows three to three and. one-half feet apart and eighteen inches to two feet apar
in the drill. The land should be finely pulverized. For pasture and forage pur
poses the Spanish peanut is most generally used, as its habit of growth is mor
upright than the larger sorts, and consequently much easier harvested. Th
general method of flat cultivation given the corn crop will answer every pur
pose with the peanut. Keep the weeds down and stop the cultivation as soon
as the nuts begin to form.

Peanuts should be harvested before frost, as the crop will suffer serious injury .
when subjected to such conditions. Bar ofl‘ each row with bull-tongue, running
once or twice to the row, care being exercised to avoid plowing into the nuts.
The vines should tnen be pulled, nuts and all. After shaking ofi‘ the dirt lay.
them beside the row to wilt. On a warm day the vines will be ready to stack‘
in eight or nine hours. The usual method is to stack around a pole firmly set‘
in the soil, and with a platform of some sort to keep the vines off the ground. a
The nuts should be placed on the inside of the stack, which should be loose
enough to allow a free circulation of air. '

Besides the manufacture of peanut oil, and the commercial value of the nuts
for confectionery purposes, the peanut as a focrage crop for hogs and cattle is
rapidly forging to the front. .

The Alabama Station investigated the relative value of pasturing hogs on pea-
nuts, chufas, cowpeas, rape, sorghum and sweet potatoes, and found that the
average amount of grain required in connection with the pasturage to make one
pound of growth was 1.77 pound with peanuts, 2.30 pounds with chufas, 2.68
pounds with rape, 3.07 pounds with cowpeas, 3.13 pounds with sweet potatoes,
and 3.70 pounds with sorghum. Seven pigs averaging in weight 28.10 pounds.
gained in six weeks on peanut pasture alone 503 pounds per acre grazed. _

Mr. Robert T. Jaynes, of Bibb, Comanche county, Texas, says: “I planted
the Spanish peanuts April 17th on well-drained sandy land that had been bedded
and rebedded. Germinated April 25th and matured August 20th. The crop was
harvested August 28th, yielding 2.} tons of hay and 30 to 35 bushels of nuts per, v
acre. Rainfall was below normal; temperature, normal. An army worm
appeared on the vines about July 20th and worked about fifteen days, doing con:
siderable damage. Of the three varieties planted the Spanish nut proved the’
best drouth resister. I use a ten-inch turning plow with the wing ofi‘ in har-r
vesting, window and haul to the barn as soon as sufficiently dry. The value of a
the hay is about $8.00 per ton and the nuts about $1.00 per bushel.”

Mr. E. Schumm, of Runnels, Runnels county, Texas, says: “The Spanish pea-'
nuts were planted April 15th, on high table black land with some sand. Germi- y
nated April 30th. The peanuts stood the drouth very well. I am pleased with .-
the success of this nut, and will plant a good acreage next year for hog pasturP
age. It is a wonder to me that peanuts have not been planted in this section
long before this, as all the varieties succeed very well.” a

VELVET BEANS.

   
  
   
  
    
   
  
  
  
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   

The velvet bean will make a large yield of green forage per acre in nearly all
. sections of Texas. Its natural season of growth from germination to maturity,
however, is so long that it will not mature seed except in the southern and
southwestern portions of the State. The value of the velvet bean as a soil
restorer is appreciated by a great many Texas farmers, but as green or dry
a, forage for his stock he is not ready to discard the ordinary cowpea. Pound for
pound the common cowpea is worth more as a feed stuff, either green or dry, but
acre for acre the two are practically equal. The velvet bean will make a larger
yield per acre than the cowpea. Stock are not partial to the velvet bean at the
beginning, but can be accustomed to it. In this immediate section the velvet
ean has been planted from early spring to early summer, and so far has always
ade splendid vine growth, but in each instance frosts have prevented the matur-
ng of the beans. They should be planted three and one-half to four feet apart
ach way, and cultivated two or three times, or as long as it can be done without
ajuring the vines. The same methods of curing are used as with the cowpea,
equiring, however, a slightly longer period. The vines grow close to the ground,
aking it troublesome to cut with a mower. In rich soils the runners will
xtend in every direction, sometimes covering the ground one and one-half to
wo feet with a dense growth of vines and leaves. Plowed under, the vines will
dd much to the fertility of the soil. The vines are splendid climbers, and
roperly trained make excellent porch runners. ’

W. H. Jones, of Bremond, Robertson county, Texas, says: “Planted velvet
ans March 31st on rich, sandy loam soil, in rows four feet apart. Germinated
o good stand. Growth was very rank, but stock did not seem to care much for
it as green feed.”
Mr. A. T. Spillman, of Selfs, Fannin county, Texas, says: “The velvet bean
wpped the climax here. Its growth was wonderful, with a magnificent foliage
-| large bunches of beans.”
Mr. H. C. Kyle, of Nursery, Victoria county, Texas, says: “The velvet beans
'ere planted in my peach orchard, where the trees are planted twenty-five feet
part each way. The beans were planted with hoe four feet apart each way, one
H: to the hill. The ground was in good condition, mellow and clear of weeds
-:- grass. Planted April 22nd, they germinated to a perfect stand April 29th.
or several weeks they made good growth, then insects began to destroy them
y eating the plant down to the ground, until only one dozen plants remained.

ltivated the beans three times with double stock and six-inch shovels. We
d heavy rains on May 4th, July llth and September 20th, with drouths inter-
ening. First blooms appeared October lst. They made rather a small amount
fvine, probably due to the drouth. A great quantity of beans were formed, but
ly a few matured before the frost of December lst, which killed the vines.
the beans had been planted twenty days earlier they would have matured a.
l crop of seed.”
Mr. E. Schumm, of Runnels, Runnels county, Texas, says: “The velvet bean
as planted April 15th on high table land which was previously cropped in
tton. Germinated to good stand April 28th. Stood the drouth very well.
er the first ten days some of the leaves turned black like they were frost-
tten, but recovered. Made slow growth during first month, after which they
pidly increased in vigor. They made an immense growth of vines, which I
tend to plow under. Two clusters of beans matured.”

FORAGE (JRoPs. 13.

14 TExAs AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION.

  
 
 
   
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
 

MILLET.

Of the two distinct types of millets, the foxtails and the cattails, the f
is most generally grown because of the better quality of hay securf
the foxtails belong the German, Common, Hungarian, Japanese and othe,
of which make fair yields wherever corn can be profitably grown. Light»
are to be preferred, and the drainage should be good, as the millets are ‘
affected by cold and damp conditions. They should be planted after all -
of frost, either in drills or broadcast, preferably the former method. The .
methods of cultivating corn will answer for the millets. The German v
of the foxtails is the popular variety for heavy soils and the common for»
soils in Texas. The cattail millets under favorable conditions make a _
larger yield per acre than the foxtails, but where such conditions exist it}
problem to save the crop. Pencillaria, which has been so extensively adv r
by seed men during the past year, is a cattail millet, botanically known as?
n/isetum spicatum, or Pearl millet, Egyptian millet, Mand’s Wonder Plan '
Opposite page l6 an illustration Will be found Which shows the growth of '
cillaria on the Station grounds. j

Sample packages of millet seed were received by the Station from the U
States Department of Agriculture, and the following numbers were plan ~
our grass garden May 17th (see illustrations opposite pages 14 and 18) : Nos.’
949, 950, 951, and 952. All germinated to good stand by May 23rd. No. 948
harvested September 4th, yielding, after heavy damage due to the English 
row, at the rate of 1258 pounds seed and 8840 pounds dry forage per acre. C ._
949 was harvested August 26th, yielding at the rate of 2722 pounds very § i
well-matured seed and 3708 pounds dry forage per acre. No. 950 was harv;
August 20th, yielding at the rate of 2420 pounds very clean and well-ma. ~j
seed and 2590 pounds dry forage per acre. No. 951 was harvested August 2
yielding at the rate of 3536 pounds seed and 6122 pounds dry forage per l, "
No. 952 was harvested September 4th, yielding at the rate of 1224 pounds c
seed and 7616 pounds dry forage per acre. The sparrows destroyed about -
half of this crop. g

Mr. Herbert Taylor, of Monaville, Waller county, Texas, says about mi _
“The seed sent me, which was imported from Russia, was planted May 27th, s
germinated to good stand by June 5th. First bloom appeared August q
matured August 27th to September 10th ; cut September 15th. It made a heal
and vigorous growth. Stalks about four feet high and of fine quality.” y

Mr. J. H. Bennett, of Henrietta, Clay county, Texas, says: “The Pearl n_
let sent me was planted April 20th and germinated to good stand. The gro‘
was rapid. I cut the crop when it was about three feet high and‘ before‘,
bloomed. A few stalks were left to mature seed, but the grasshoppers prac
cally destroyed them. Cut with corn knife July 16th. The millet was all0w_
to lie in small bunches until the next day. It was then bound in small bundl
set up in shock, and placed in barn July 18th. There was considerable attenti,
required to prevent moulding in center of bundles. It stools enormously. Catt =
are fond of it, but horses refused it for sorghum. First crop, which was c -~
July 16th, made a very satisfactory yield. The second crop, when about one l-
one-half feet high, began drying up and was immediately cut. The r00 =
remained alive and continued putting out shoots until October. It proved m0 '-
drouth resistant than Kaflir or sorghum, and especially so in putting out secon
growth.”

Mr. Robert T. Jaynes, of Bibb, Comanche county, Texas, says: “I plan @-
the Japanese barnyard millet April 10th on well-prepared sandy land. Th
season was below normal. 1t made a fine hay of good quality. My mules seeme
to prefer it to oats. Yield one-half ton from one-half acre, which was out Jun
25th. Value about $10 per ton.”

 

No. 951 N0. 950 No. 948 N0. 949

N0. 952

MILLE T 9'.

(The heads were somewhat shattered before the photograph was taken.)

16 TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION.

RAPE.

This plant which has proven of so much value to farmers and stock raisers in 

other States is comparatively unknown in Texas. It belongs to the same family
of plants as the cabbage and turnip, and is botanically known as Brassica ‘napus.
Wherever potatoes, corn and turnips can be grown to advantage, rape can be
depended on to make profitable returns. Soils rich in humus and the mineral ele-
ments of plant food will produce large yields of rape. Light sandy soils and
stiff soils are not suited to its growth. Rape responds readily to applications
of Larnyztrd manure. Being a rank feeder, it should be planted in rotation with
the legumes or crops of different feeding habits. It is distinctly a pasture and
soiling crop and on fairly fertile soils can be depended on to yield from ten to
twenty tons of green feed per acre. The general method of planting is in drills
two to two and one-half feet apart and at the rate of two to three pounds of
seed per acre. Cultivation should be frequent and shallow. Rape may be
planted at any time from early spring to fall in Texas, which fact makes it
valuable as a catch crop. The crop will be ready for pasturing in four to six
weeks. Rape contains about 1.5 per cent protein, 8.1 per cent carbohydrates
and 2 per cent. ether extract. A yield of 33,660 pounds per acre as made on our
soil (not at all an unusual yield) would furnish 504.9 pounds of protein, 2,726
pounds of carbohydrates and 67.3 pounds of ether extract. The Iowa Experi-
ment Station, in a series of experiments with hogs, demonstrated the fact that
an average acre of rape is equal to 2,600 pounds mixed grain ration, and also
that rape is exceedingly valuable as a preliminary feed to be followed by later
pen feeding. Hogs pastured on rape should be confined to small spaces to
prevent waste. Hogs should not be pastured solely on rape to begin with, but
should be allowed to gradually accustom themselves to the feed. After once
becoming used to rape they will eat it greedily. Sheep and cattle do well on
rape, though the pasturing of cattle is attended with some danger of bloating.
Judicious management of the herd will reduce this danger to a minimum.

The planting of March 20, 1901, germinated to good stand by April l, making
rapid growth until June 24th, at which time it was cut and weighed, making
an estimate yield per acre of 25,689 pounds.

During 1902 we planted rape earlier-February 28th. It germinated to good
stand by March 14th. This planting matured its crop by March 24th, and made
an estimated yield of 33,660 pounds per acre.

On September 25, 1902, rape was planted in the Station grass gardens. It
germinated to a good stand and grew vigorously throughout the entire winter.
The coldest weather of our past winter seemed to have but little effect on the
plants. Its growth was such as to afford grazing throughout the entire winter,
until about the middle of March, at which time it was turned under to make way
for other crops.

Mr. J . F. McCarthy, of Floydada, Floyd county, Texas, says: “Rape germin-

l ated a few days after the rain of June 3rd, withstood the drouth, and furnished

an abundance of food relished by hogs, chickens and cattle. It withstood the
drouth and cold until after Christmas, at which time cattle were turned in,
and it was entirely devoured by them. I have ordered seed and will always plant
rape, as last year demonstrated that it is a profitable crop for a stock farmer of
the plains. I consider rape a splendid hog and chicken feed.”

Mr. Isaac Grindstofi, of Peaster, Parker county, Texas, says: “Rape was
planted April 29th on a piece of sandy soil which was previously cropped in
sugar-cane. The soil was in poor condition. Germinated to good stand by
June 5th. The very dry weather cut the yield short. During the early stages of
its growth while there was good season in the soil the growth was rapid. Rain-
fall was below normal.”

Mr. Robert Jaynes, of Bibb, Comanche county, Texas, says: “Rape was planted
April 15th on well plowed and harrowed land. Germinated April 20th. It made
fine pasture for hogs. Hogs should not be allowed to run on rape all the time.
as it is easily tramped down. Will plant rape again next year.”


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