FODDER CROPS.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 3, Issue 5, 15 November 1911, Page 386

FODDER CROPS.

T. W. Lonsdale.

At the present time there are probably , no . crops of so much importance to. the dairyman as fodder crops, and. none have .received so little attention. Happily it is now recognized that these are of vital, importance, as they supply the herd with succulent food during protracted periods of drought, and may fitly be termed “ salvation ” crops.

The lack of making . provision for the herd by growing supplementary crops has been keenly felt during the last few years, but probably not to such an extent as last season, when, owing to the extremely dry weather, many herds rapidly failed in milk-production. When' we consider the great loss individually and the enormous loss to the Dominion collectively, a loss which by a little forethought and preparation could be avoided, it may be fairly conceded that it is time to adopt improved methods.

Sorghum and Millet.

. A variety of crops are at our command. < That which is receiving most attention is maize. . In many parts of the Dominion it is probable that this will continue as the premier fodder-plant, yet in districts subject to late and early frosts, and also light precipitation, the maize crop is precarious. Other crops suitable for such districts are, sorghum and millet. These are common plants of China and Turkestan, , and it is . estimated that nine-tenths of the Natives of these countries and India subsist on the grain of the sorghum.

In the semi-arid parts of the Western States of America, sorghum has in recent'years become prominent, in some instances' leading maize, which hitherto had been the greater in cultivation, in the extent of its production. So much has been written . and is already known about the cultivation of maize that information on the subject is not so necessary.

Preparation of Land.

As for all crops, thorough cultivation prior to . seeding is essential; the seed, being small, requires a fine, clean seed-bed, and should be lightly drilled. The operation can be performed with an ordinary grain-drill, using all the coulters; or, if it is desired to-grow stronger plants, alternate coulters, may be used, or the seed can be sown in. drills 26 in. apart, do allow for cultivation with, a horse.-hoe. . * •“ ... - . >

Cultivation after the seed has germinated is essential, and can be effected by harrowing at intervals with tine harrows, the process being repeated until the plants have become too high.

Harrowing has a twofold effect —weed-control and the conservation of moisture —both essential to the young plants. the plants are established and too high to allow of further cultivation the crop may safely be left to take its course, and will grow rapidly during hot and dry weather.

Varieties to grow.

Probably Sorghum imphee and Sorghum saccharatum are the best varieties. These produce heavy crops of succulent fodder. Early Amber Cane is also a good cropper. It should be cut before the stalks become woody. Japanese millet, White French millet, and Egyptian millet are suitable varieties. White French does not produce as much fodder as the other varieties, but grows rapidly and matures earlier.

Manures and Seed.

It must be remembered that these crops are gross feeders, hence liberal manuring is requisite. A combination of bonedust, superphosphate, and sulphate of potash makes a suitable manurial mixture, and the quantity applied will be decided by the grower. About 20 lb. of seed per acre is a liberal quantity if broadcasted, but, if drilled, 5 lb. will be sufficient.

When to cut.

- Millet may be cut immediately after 1 flowering ; if left later hard seedheads are formed, and the stalks become fibrous and unpalatable. Sorghum should not be used until the plants are in tassel, as previous to this stage the. plant may prove injurious.

Summary.

Other crops may be grown for the purpose of supplying fodder during times of scarcity. Lucerne and vetches are invaluable ; but, as the virtues of these crops have already been expounded, .it is- not intended to deal with them in this article. The object of the writer is to bring to the notice of dairymen throughout the Dominion the great importance of fodder crops in general.