LUCERNE-GROWING.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLII, Issue 1808, 5 May 1921, Page 4

LUCERNE-GROWING.

A campaign has been started in Canterbury with a view to encouraging the growth of lucerne. This plant, which is known in South America as alfalfa, is one of the finest fodder plants known to the soil. It grows luxuriously in Canada and Australia, and is, therefore, adapted to both rigorous and semi-tropical climates. Experiments have been made in various parts of New Zealand with the cultivation of lucerne. These have not always been successful, probably because the soil lias not been satisfactorily prepared. It has been amply demonstrated, however, that on alluvial land alfalfa, which is deeprooting, makes a prolific growth, sometimes yielding as many as four crops in a year. In the Manawatu and West Coast districts, where land has soared to high prices, and where dairying has become an important industry, lucerne, offers a direct solution of the problem of winter feeding. The Manawatu A. and P. Association would be rendering great service if it were to co-operate with similar institutions in the lower portion of the North Island, and with business firms, in offering substantial prizes for the best crops of lucerne in the district. This would stimulate interest in the subject of lucerne-grow-ing, ain! would ultimately incrense the productivity- of the soil to tin incalculable degree.