THE IMPORTANCE OF LUCERNE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3861, 13 March 1928, Page 24

THE IMPORTANCE OF LUCERNE.

It is a simple matter to enthuse over what has been termed the “ king of fodders ” —in other words, lucerne, the mortgage-lifter. No other plant in the vegetable kingdom has so many admirers, nor has saved the position in times of drought. It is fair to say that on most farms there is a deficiency of protein in pastures and in the foods commonly grown on the farm, an exception being in the case of lucerne, clovers, and some other legumes. The chief constituent of protein is nitrogen, and one of the greatest problems of agricultural science has been to supply the nitrogen necessary for the growth of plants. Leguminous plants, and lucerne in particular, have the "power of abstracting nitrogen from the air, storing it in their tissues and in the nodules upon their roots. Since the world war a complete change has taken place in the economy of most nations. Old methods are being scrapped, and are fast being replaced with new systems. Commercial activities are undergoing a mighty change, and are gradually but surely meeting the altered conditions they are faced with. In the agricultural and pastoral industries, however, which are practically the sole basis of the wealth, progress, and happiness of the community at large, there has been no general movement to meet altered conditions. Farmers still, with few exceptions, grow the same short-lived grasses in their pastures, uncertain, disease and insect-affected crops, subject to injurious effects of drought, and even in years of plenty are of such a character that they cannot be stored or held in reserve for stock for lean periods from whatever ca « se -, A Kain, with some exceptions, thev still plough the same old rut, and depend on Providence to make a success of their operations, forgetful that they were commanned to be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth.” What is required to put these industries on a sound commercial footing is assured feed and an abundance at all times, during all seasons for rearing and fattening of stock, milk production, etc. Those

countries at the present day which are forging ahead in the markets of ’ the world and are enormously increasing their volume of primary products exports are those winch early recognise the value and possibilities of lucerne growing. In 1895 the Argentine ha<T 1 761 000 non lucern ®» n ? w it has over 23,000,000 acres. Canada and the United states are increasing their lucerne acreage enormously In late years Australia also has greatly increased its acreage, every effort being made by the State Governments and agricultural officers to advise and encourage settlers to adopt lucerne growing as the main feature of their farm practice to increase the production of farm products and as a sure n™ <lro ”" ht - Wl “ t “ The greater part of the Dominion at the present tim e is suffering from a prolonged dry spell. Pastures are burnt 1 up and turnip and rape crops in these dry areas are a failure. The usual supplies of winter fodder are non-existent, or have already been consumed to keep the farm animals alive. The only green fodder to be seen throughout these vast parched areas ar e a few isolated stands of lucerne It is officially stated that on account of the dry-spell conditions which have prevailed there will be a shortage in volume of our dairy exnorts tn thn value.of £2,000,000. likewise is having a setback through a scarcity of fat stock consequent on a St ag ?h° f > The loss t 0 the count ry aidlrable * ’ S SUre to be eou '

Lucerne growing is the only solution Jt is a permanent and nutritious stock feeding crop, which can be produced with a minimum of labour on practically all classes of land, and when once established •>«,! 1Ot ~a , f fected b y dry spells or drought and with sane treatment will last for capable Jf f^o the e Dom?nion. re CaFrying Capacity of