V\ts . .*• f> ■I. N. L. McFARLANE G. L. WINRIGHT IRCULAR 176 JUNE 1 95 1 ORNIA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE OF AGRICULTURE • UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA DESERT AARK Just west of the Colorado River, along that part that forms the border between California and Arizona, lies what is known as the Desert Area. ^ The farm land in this area is not like the Sahara. It is desert only in that the climate exhibits what are known as desert features — blistering heat, low relative humidity, little or no rainfall. The "bird's-eye" map, presented herewith, is simply an artist's idea of what the region might look like from many thousands of feet eleva- tion. It is not topographically ac- curate, but it does show the region in relation to several well-known reference points. Left: a section of the Ail-American Canal. At this point the canal enters the White Water storm drain siphon. Center: an aerial view of part of the desert area showing flat terrain where agri- culture is carried on, and abundance of shade trees around habitations. Right: a spectacular photo looking down rows of palms in a date orchard near Indio. Each cluster contains about 1200 dates. CONTENTS Page THE DESERT AREA ... and where it is 2 What to expect in climatic and soil conditions 5 Normal farming and living is different 7 The over-all factors of desert agriculture 9 The variety of crops grown 12 FIELD CROPS ... the most important 15 Planting chart 28 TRUCK CROPS . . . and how to raise them 32 Planting chart 42 FRUIT, VINE, and NUT CROPS . . . only a few adapted 45 Fruit crops not recommended 45 Fruit crops with commercial possibilities 45 LIVESTOCK RAISING is getting important 51 ORNAMENTALS ... for comfort and decoration 54 THIS CIRCULAR b based on Exp. Sta Cir 334 " So , , Crops of the , mper i a , VaIIey / by S "onL y w'cosb y 3 L. Gordon Goar, published in 10-iA _i y and N. L. McFarlane and G. L. Winright are Farm Advisors, in Riverside and Imperial counties, respectively. DESERT AGRICULTURE N. L. McFarlane • G. L. Winright THE DESERT, formerly a wasteland, has been made to bloom. But problems still exist. ^\bout 50 years ago the southeastern section of California was not much more than a desert wasteland— hot, dry, sandy, and about the opposite of what was con- sidered desirable farming land. Today parts of this area are made to produce food and forage crops valued in millions of dollars because of the in- troduction of the magic of water. Such names as Coachella Valley, Imperial Val- ley, Bard, and Palo Verde valleys have come into everyday use in the language of growers and distributors of food prod- ucts. Growth from a desert wasteland to a productive garden was not accomplished without difficulties, and many of the un- certainties of living and raising crops or livestock in the area are still present. This circular, therefore, is designed to tell something of the hazards that may be expected in farming the desert country, and to offer suggestions and recommenda- tions for successful farming in that area. The climate of the area is what is known as desert subtropical and is char- acterized by temperatures up to an oc- casionally reached maximum of 125° F in the middle of summer, and as high as These are a few of the things to expect in the way of climate, soil, humidity 100° F or higher any time between the months of March and October inclusive. Even in the winter months the tempera- ture has risen as high as 85° F. The winters are short and mild, with A "before and after" aerial photo taken in the desert region. Not too long ago, all of the region looked like the land in the background; today much of it is planted to food- or forage- producing crops. a large percentage of sunshiny days. Killing frosts seldom occur before the middle of November, or after the middle of March. Usually the period during which they may occur is from December 1 to February 15, and a frost-free grow- ing season of about 300 days annually is normally expected. The relative humidity of the atmos- phere is low during the greatest part of the year, a circumstance that explains why the summer temperatures (although reaching unusual heights) are not un- bearable. The atmospheric humidity is higher during the winter and spring months than during the remainder of the year, with the exception that there are a few short periods of relatively high hu- midity in late summer. Rains are irregular in occurrence and there have been many years in which no rain was recorded in part or all of the area. The annual average rainfall is be- tween 2 and 3 inches. The rains are sel- dom beneficial, and are occasionally detri- mental to crops. The soils of the Imperial and Palo Verde valleys are composed of highly stratified Colorado River deposits, largely from mixed sedimentary rock material. These soils vary in texture from loamy sands to clay. The lighter-textured types have usually been reworked by wind ac- tion and have rather low water-holding capacities. The heavier types normally contain considerable salt— often in con- centrations detrimental to crops. In the Coachella Valley, the soils are largely alluvial deposits, laid down mainly by the Whitewater River, and are from granitic rock sources. Most of the soils in this valley are sandy, ranging from coarse to gravelly sand to very fine sands and loamy sands. They have gener- Climatic Data from Representative Stations in the Region Imperial Valley BRAWLEY Coachella Valley INDIO Palo Verde Valley BLYTHE Mean annual precipitation Mean annual temperature Mean daily maximum tempera- ture (highest month) Mean daily temperature (highest month) Mean daily temperature (low month) Mean daily minimum tempera- ture (lowest month) Earliest date of first killing frost after July 15 Mean date of first killing frost after July 15 Mean date of last killing frost before July 15 Latest date of last killing frost before July 15 Highest temperature Lowest temperature 2.73 71.6° F 107.6° F (July) 91.3° F (July) 53.1° F (Jan.) 37.7° F (Jan.) Nov. 15 Dec. 6 Feb. 5 Mar. 5 121° F (July) 19° F (Jan.) 3.34 73.3° F 107.0° F (July) 93.1° F (July) 53.8° F (Jan.) 38.5° F (Jan.) Nov. 11 Dec. 4 Feb. 7 Mar. 16 125° F (July) 13° F (Jan.) 4.22 70.3° F 107.8° F (July) 91.0° F (July) 51.1° F (Jan.) 34.6° F (Jan.) Oct. 18 Nov. 16 Feb. 23 Apr. 8 122° F (July) 5°F(Jan.) Source: Weather Bureau, United States Department of Commerce Federal Office Building, San Francisco, California, by letter February 16, 1950. Page 6 Desert Agriculture ally been modified by wind, and occupy low dune topography. Adjacent to the Salton Sea, the soils are fine textured, having been deposited from still, or very slow-moving water. These soils contain high concentrations of alkali salts. "Alkali" as a term popularly applied to soils means either one, or a combina- tion of both of the following situations: (1) a sufficient accumulation of soluble salts to cause injury to plants. The most common of these salts are the chlorides and sulfates of sodium, calcium, and magnesium; (2) the presence of a suffi- cient quantity of adsorbed sodium in the soil to impair plant growth, either directly by injuring the plants, or indirectly by rendering the soil impermeable to water. This second condition is often associated with the presence of sodium carbonate, or washing soda, in the soil. Soils in the first situation are com- monly called white alkali, or saline soils; the second situation describes soils which are popularly called black alkali soils, or true alkali soils. The vast majority of "alkali" soils in the desert area are saline soils, or white alkali. The several soil survey reports made by the U.S.D.A. have supplemental maps giving some idea of the salinity conditions in the soil, and these reports can be seen in the Agricultural Extension Service office, and usually in the public or refer- ence libraries in the area. There are relatively large sections in the desert area that have sufficient soluble salts in the soil to either inhibit or pre- vent growth of crops. The following pub- lications give data on the relative toler- ance of crops to alkali ; the effect of salts on soils ; and the reclamation of saline or alkali soils: U.S.D.A. Misc. Publication 607, The Salt Problem in Irrigation Agriculture; U.S.D.A. Cir. 707, Saline Soils, Their Nature and Management, by 0. C. Magi- stad and J. E. Christiansen; Calif. Exp. Sta. Bui. 617, The Reclamation of White Alkali Soils, by W. P. Kelley; Calif. Exp. Sta. Bui. 601, Reclamation of White Al- kali Soils in Imperial Valley, by Ed E. Thomas; Hilgardia, Vol. 18, No. 18, Soil Salinity in Relation to Irrigation, by W. P. Kelley, B. M. Laurence, and H. D. Chapman. There are no known chemicals which can be applied to the soil to remove, or so change the salts that crops can be grown successfully. Removal of soluble salts from the soil by leaching is the only known successful method of reclaiming an alkali soil. Under certain conditions, the applica- tion of gypsum, agricultural sulfur, or sulfuric acid may hasten the reclamation, BUT ONLY IF USED IN CONNEC- TION WITH LEACHING. The area where these agricultural minerals will hasten reclamation, when used in con- junction with leaching, is not large in this region. Most of the soils are in the Coachella and Palo Verde valleys. Because conditions are different, so are the normal farming and living needs The raising of either crops or live- stock in a region such as the one de- scribed in this circular requires certain over-all considerations of protection against the elements— protection of the crops and of the individual and his Desert Agriculture family. Here are a few of the factors in- volved: Drainage. Irrigation is essential for the entire area. Nearly all of the irriga- tion water comes from the Colorado River. The water from the Colorado Page 7 River contains enough detrimental salts to cause serious damage to crops if the salts are allowed to accumulate over a period of years. This accumulation of salts occurs from poor water penetration which leaves the salts near the surface of the soil; or it may occur from the build- ing up of the water table which causes the salts to rise to the surface by capillary attraction. It is fortunate, however, that a large part of the detrimental salts in the area leach out readily, when sufficient drain- age either occurs naturally or is provided by artificial means. Much abandoned land has been reclaimed in a relatively short time after the installation of a good drainage system. But since little of the land has sufficient natural drainage, the providing of drain- age outlets and the installation of ade- quate artificial farm drainage is the most important factor (next to adequate irriga- tion water) in determining the perma- nent productive ability of the area. The problem of drainage has been rec- ognized both by farmers and by the of- ficials of the irrigation districts in the area and hundreds of miles of open and tile drains have been provided through the efforts of the districts. Leveling the land. Land in the area should be carefully leveled. This applies to any new land and to much of the land now in production which was leveled before modern equipment was available to do the job properly. Since this is such an important step in successful farming of the area, it is rec- ommended that any prospective grower, and present growers whose crops are not producing well, study the need for level- ing or releveling the land, taking into consideration the type, slope, and loca- tion. Leveling is a job for experts and in- experienced growers should consult the best authorities available on the subject. Land not properly leveled is expensive to farm, gives a reduced yield, and may cause the difference between profit and loss for the grower. Windbreaks are very desirable in the desert area. They serve the dual pur- pose of protecting both the crops and the dwellings, poultry yards, and home gar- dens. Winds are severe enough in the area, at certain seasons, that they move large The first step in preparing desert land for farming is to level it for better distribution of water. amounts of earth, especially in the sandy areas. Considerable thought should be given to keeping the ground protected during the windy season to cut down on the dust in the air and the movement of soil that makes the surface uneven and interferes with irrigation. Sand moving along the surface of the ground will seri- ously injure or destroy crops. The erosive winds common to the area come from the northwest or west and are usually most severe in late October and November. Again in late February, April, May, and early June, winds are usually severe enough to move sandy soil along the surface of the ground and injure young plants. The planting and care of windbreaks, and a list of recommended trees are dis- cussed starting on page 11. Shade trees are vital to the comfort of both man and beast in this region, and ornamental plants are a very desir- able asset. A list of ornamental trees and shrubs that are believed suitable for planting in the area begins on page 54. Irrigation — drainage. Irrigation is of the utmost importance for farming in the desert area. Drainage is of nearly equal importance if a permanent agricul- ture is to be maintained. Colorado River water has nearly 1,900 pounds of dissolved salts in each acre- foot of water. Slightly over 1,000 pounds of this, however, is dissolved gypsum. In growing alfalfa in the area, farmers commonly apply about 6 acre-feet of water per acre, per year. This would mean that nearly 6 tons of salts per acre per year are also applied. Some of these salts are undesirable. Obviously then, sufficient water must pass through the soil and out the drains to carry these salts away. Since one-fifth or more of the water applied is used for the purpose of leaching out salts, it is also obvious that more water must be used for irrigation than is actually needed by the plants or trees. "Hard" and "soft" soils. Growers in the region frequently speak of their soils as being either "hard" or "soft." By soft soils they mean sands, sandy loams, and silt loams; medium soils are silty clay loams and clay loams; hard soils are clays. This classification, however, is misleading as it alludes to the surface Desert Agriculture These are over-all factors that apply to the growing of crops in the desert area soils only, and does not take into account the character of the subsoils. It is the subsoils, in many cases, that determine the ultimate suitability of a soil for a given crop. Apply sufficient moisture. The lack of sufficient water penetration is a serious factor in reducing crop yield on the so- called hard, or fine-textured soils. This is especially so with deep-rooted crops and is more true with alfalfa than with most crops of the area. Water penetration of approximately 6 feet should be secured for the maximum production of deep-rooted crops. A 6- foot water penetration can only be ob- tained on fine-textured (hard) soils by allowing the water to be on the soil a long period of time. Water can be held on alfalfa during the winter months, but would produce scald on such soils dur- ing the hot weather. Subsoiling to a depth of as much as 30 inches, in 4-foot spacings, will help greatly in securing the necessary pene- tration in fine-textured soils. But even with subsoiling it will usually be neces- sary to irrigate slowly to get sufficient penetration of water to the root zone. Frequent examination of water pene- tration should be made with a soil tube Page 9 Analysis of Colorado River Water* at Yuma, Arizona Electrical conductivity, EC X 10 6 at 25° C 1055 Boron, p.p.m 0.1 Percent sodium 39 Dissolved solids Calcium, CA Magnesium, Mg. . Sodium, Na Carbonate, C0 3 Bicarbonate, HC0 3 Sulfate, S0 4 Chloride, CI Nitrate, N0 3 Equivalents per million Parts per million 691 4.40 88 2.32 28 4.33 100 2.70 165 6.06 291 2.32 82 .02 1 * Weighted mean of daily samples collected at the outfall of the Colorado River siphon for the year ending September 30, 1948. Analyses by the Geological Survey. or auger, to determine when sufficient depth has been reached. A rule-of-thumb method, frequently used by farmers for determining the proper amount of mois- ture in loam soils, is to take a handful and squeeze it in the hand. If the soil crumbles when it is compressed, it is too dry. This rule will not work very well with sands or clays. Sandy soils take water so fast it is easy to get deep penetration, but these soils do not hold as much water available to the plants as do the heavier soils. Sandy soil, therefore, must be irrigated more frequently than heavy soil and the water may be rushed over the land more rapidly than is the case with heavy soil. In any irrigation, however, the factors of greatest importance are these : 1. The plants must have sufficient avail- able moisture. 2. If only enough water is applied to supply water for the plants, the plants will transpire the moisture into the air and most of the salts will be left behind. Thus under many situations, it is de- sirable to apply a total of 6 to 7 acre- feet of irrigation water per acre, per Page 10 year. This provides enough extra water to help leach out the salts. 3. The extra water must be drained off —usually by artificial means, or the water table will rise to a height that will en- danger the crops. Cultivation (except for subsoiling, as discussed above) is done mainly to pre- pare seedbeds and control weeds. Other- wise the practice of cultivation is of lit- tle use and excessive working of the soil may destroy good soil structure and do considerable damage. Soil-improving crops. There is probably no other section of the country where so many desirable crops can be grown for soil improvement, and prob- ably no other place where the addition of nitrogen and organic matter to the soil is more important. A common practice among growers in the desert area to improve the physical condition of the soil is to turn under large quantities of organic matter- mainly leguminous green manure crops. This is best done by planning a system- atic rotation of crops that will provide the necessary material. Desert Agriculture Generous applications of barnyard manure give similar results and should be added to the soil at every opportunity. The liberal use of leguminous crops, or manure, improves the soil structure, adds appreciable amounts of nitrogen, loosens the finer-textured and denser soils making them more friable and easier to cultivate. Alfalfa is the most logical crop to use in rotation with other crops grown in the region. Usually truck crops such as can- taloupes and lettuce will grow success- fully on land on which a good stand of alfalfa has previously been grown. Annual legumes, supplemented by manure or (when necessary) by commer- cial inorganic fertilizer, can be used to accomplish the same soil improvement practice as alfalfa. For example: let- tuce, tomatoes, or cantaloupes, or any other crop that is harvested in the spring or early summer, may be followed by a crop of sesbania, guar, or cowpeas, as a soil-improving crop. Any of these cover- crops can be matured in from 60 to 120 days, and the land again prepared for fall or winter planting. Cereal crops, such as wheat or bar- ley, may be followed by a summer crop of sweet sorghum, grain sorghum, or Sudangrass. But when this is done, the land should not be used for another cereal crop until after a leguminous crop has been grown, or a liberal application of nitrogen fertilizers has been made. Windbreaks. As mentioned above, windbreaks are needed in many places to protect crops. They are probably most valuable in protecting fruits— especially citrus fruits, dates, and grapes. They also aid in protecting vegetables in blow-sand areas. When windbreaks are used, their planting and care should be carefully planned. Since their extensive use may rob the cultivated plants of both food and moisture, they should be planted at some distance from the first row of cul- tivated crop. As a rule, a space of 50 Desert Agriculture feet should be wholly devoted to the windbreak. The most widely used windbreak tree in the desert section is the athel {Tamarix articulata) . It is propagated by cuttings and makes rapid and dense growth if given an abundance of water. Several varieties of eucalyptus also make good windbreaks. The red gum {Eucalyptus camaldulensis) , the gray or slaty eucalyptus (E. tereticornis) and the desert gum (E. rudis) are probably the best. Close spacing of trees is neces- sary for effective protection. Areas 5 or more times the height of the trees will be protected. The beef wood (Casuarina stricta) and the Australian pine or horsetail tree (C. equiseti folia) , while not forming as dense a windbreak as some other trees, offer promise of less root competition, and may be recommended for trial. They should preferably be planted in double rows. How to plant. Since the prevailing winds in the region are from the west and northwest, the windbreaks should be planted along the west side of the area to be protected. They should be planted in rows as nearly perpendicular to the wind direction as possible. Roots should be encouraged to develop on the west side (away from the culti- vated crop). This can be done by apply- ing liberal irrigations and possibly fertilizer on that side. A few feet from the windbreak row, on the east side, run a subsoiler at least twice each year. This will prevent any shallow root develop- ment in the feeding zone of the culti- vated crop. When the windbreak gets to be large, it should be irrigated heavily, preferably by a series of basins. Windbreaks for vegetables. Vege- tables grown on sandy lands may be sub- ject to damage from blown sand. Protec- tion can be given by planting double rows of Martin Combine milo (which grows 36 to 42 inches high) , or Mexican June field Page 1 1 corn (72 to 96 inches) every 25 to 30 feet through the field. These should be planted in late July or early August— a few weeks prior to planting many fall vegetables. Double rows of White Federation '38 wheat, or Arivat barley (32 to 36 inches high) , planted in the fall or winter when vegetables are planted, will provide some protection. Annual windbreaks should also be planted as near at right angles to the pre- vailing wind as possible, and be kept heavily fertilized and irrigated during their growing period. Erosion protection is needed in sandy areas. Fruit trees of all types, and vines planted on sandy soils may be damaged by erosion of leaves and trunks, and by heat reflected from the white soil. Frequently alfalfa is planted on the land prior to planting of the trees or vines. A narrow aisle is then disked or plowed through the alfalfa and the trees or vines are planted in this furrow. The covercrop between the rows is left for protection. The green prevents both sun- burn and soil movement. Ordinarily the alfalfa is mowed and removed, but sometimes it is mowed and left on the ground. Barley, Sudangrass, millet, and other plants may be used in a similar manner for protection of young trees and vines. A wide variety of crops can be, and are grown in the different desert regions Probably the best idea of the diversi- fication of crops found in the desert val- leys may be had by referring to the list on pages 13 and 14. In addition to the crops listed, there is a large amount of livestock finishing of cattle and sheep in the region, and pro- duction of dairy cattle and hogs. Since climatic and other conditions in the region are to some extent unique, the cultural practices involved differ in many respects from those employed in other parts of the state. Suggestions for suc- cessful raising of crops and livestock are given in the discussions and tables which follow. One reason why crops from the desert area get to market early—slanted shelters such as these are used to trap the winter sun's heat around young plants. See pages 32 and 41 for more details. Desert Agriculture 1950 Crop Acreages in the Desert Area Field crops Alfalfa— Hay Seed Barley Beans — Dry Castor Horse Bermuda (seed) Clover — Hubam ... Corn— Field Cotton — Acala SxP Fescue (Alta) Flax Grain Sorghums Millet Oats Onion (seed) Pasture — Irrigated Peanuts Rice Ryegrass Safflower Sesbania Soybeans Sudangrass Sugar Beets Watermelon (seed) Wheat Totals Trees and Vines Apricots Citrus — Grapefruit Lemons Miscellaneous Mixed Nursery Tangerines Valencias and Navels . . . Dates Figs Grapes Cardinal Thompson White Malaga Red Malaga Ribier Other Imperial 164,473 f32,000 61,780 63 279 21 1,012 1,029 10 75 19 49,251 19,577 1,010 2,387 1,709 451 144 3,590 21,756 90 2,581 34,322 32,581 398,210 1,180 59 54 16 307 405 168 1,175 Coachella Palo Verde 2,000 29,000 f8,000 5,800 3,380 550 211 1,708 1,875 394 70 1,550 317 3,550 675 16 2,390 300 30 94 210 247 5 1,400 4,688 51,084 7 1,934 90 8 488 101 4,844 26 77 6,314 50 93 65 103 t Part of hay acreage * Agricultural Commissioner or Irrigation District reports. Desert Agriculture Page 13 1950 Crop Acreages in the Desert Area (Continued) Trees and Vines — Continued Imperial Coachella Palo Verde 34 1 14,235 1,413 37 320 2,441 750 10 8 23 462 74 7 n 5,670 14 68 6 185 2,546 175 13 177 136 43 238 44 485 226 187 20 210 510 42 471 165 3,342 10,577 9,941 Pecans Strawberries Plums Totals Vegetable crops Asparagus Beans — Snap Lima Beets Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Cantaloupes Honeydews Honeyballs Cassaba Persian Crenshaw Carrots Celery Coriander Chicory Corn — Sweet Cucumbers — Miscellaneous Pickle Eggplant Flowers Garlic Lettuce Mustard Okra Onions — Green Dry Peas Peppers — Bell Chili Potatoes Romaine Spinach Squash — Miscellaneous Summer Sweet Potatoes Tomatoes Watermelons Totals 84 9 3,457 177 167 15 6 541 80 958 13,733 217 267 25 203 3 8,791 40 8 350 528 19 70 14 37,825 80 28 1,714 1,807 8 20 1,524 52 2,820 4,556 76,745 Page 14 Desert Agriculture Field crops are particularly important in the Imperial and Palo Verde valleys. In the Imperial Valley they occupy nearly 400,000 acres, or about 35 per cent of the area under cultivation. In the Palo Verde Valley, field crops take up almost 83 per cent of the cultivated area. They are expected to increase in im- portance in the Coachella Valley as more and more land is brought under cultivation. ALFALFA (Medicago sativa) for hay production is one of the largest field crops, from an acreage standpoint, in the three valleys, and fits well into the rota- tion program with other field crops and with vegetables. It is also raised for seed. The climatic conditions of the desert area are almost ideal for the production of alfalfa, and when good cultural and irrigation practices are used, crop fail- ures in the region are unknown. In the Imperial and Palo Verde valleys alfalfa FIELD CROPS are the most important in the area, from a standpoint of acreage used has varied from one-fourth to one-half of the cultivated acreage. Varieties, Common or Chilean, Afri- can, Indian, and Hairy Peruvian are the alfalfa varieties generally grown in the area. The African is proving well adapted to short rotation and will yield more hay per acre per year than common Chilean for the first two years. Soils needed. Alfalfa will succeed on a wide variety of soil types, but the loamy soils are preferred. The heavy clay soils are least desirable and require care- ful attention to assure adequate water penetration. In preparing land, thorough plow- ing should be the first step. Next, levees should be erected for irrigation by the border method. The length and width be- tween levees will vary according to soil types and the size of the head of water available. For details on this operation Farming in the desert region is highly mechanized. In this field alfalfa was tractor-mowed, side- delivery raked, pickup-baled, and is being mechanically bale-loaded onto trucks for stacking. Desert Agriculture Page 15 the inexperienced grower would do well to consult his local Farm Advisor. By the very nature of this crop, perfect leveling of the land is demanded. Any depressions left in the land will accumu- late irrigation water and result in scald- ing out alfalfa plants and the rapid establishment of Bermudagrass and water-loving weeds. High spots, or too steep a fall are equally objectionable. A final leveling operation should be com- pleted after the levees have been built. Seeding. The necessity for preparing a good seedbed cannot be overempha- sized. After plowing, leveling, and irri- gating, a final disking, harrowing, and floating will usually leave the soil in good condition. Very fine dust mulch, or a very cloddy condition should be avoided. Rates of seeding may vary from 20 to 30 pounds per acre. Drilling is prefer- able to broadcasting. Irrigation. If the soil is moist and soft enough to permit drilling the seed to a depth of an inch, it is usually possible to obtain a stand without additional irri- gation until after the seedling plants have 3 or more true leaves. If the land cannot be drilled to a depth exceeding one-half inch, because it is too heavy, then irrigation should be applied immediately after seeding and again 3 days later. The second irrigation will prevent formation of a crust and allow the seedlings to emerge. Occasionally a third irrigation may be necessary. Subsequent irrigations should be given as required, but should in no case be given until the plants have attained 3 or more true leaves. On most soils, at least 2 irrigations will be needed between cuttings during the warmer weather. On soils where it is difficult to force moisture to the desired depth, it is ad- visable to use heavy winter irrigation. This will permit the water to stand on the soil for a sufficient time to penetrate to the desired depth while the weather is cool. Thus the danger from scalding is Page 16 minimized and a good supply of mois- ture can be stored. The increased yield is usually very pronounced. The use of a soil auger or tube is most valuable in the intelligent irrigation of alfalfa. Life of stand. Alfalfa stands last from 3 to 8 years. Frequent cutting when the alfalfa is in the bud or early bloom stage will shorten the life of the stand, and fields where a crop of seed is made yearly last longer than those continu- ously cut for hay. Most of the fields that last 5 years or longer are either cut when the alfalfa is well into bloom, or are allowed to make seed once a year. Fertilizing. Alfalfa on new land should be artificially inoculated with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Under normal conditions it is not necessary to apply inorganic nitrogen to alfalfa. Most of the soils in the Imperial and Palo Verde valleys are deficient in phosphorus and responses to this ele- ment have been observed in the Coa- chella Valley. In the Imperial and Palo Verde valleys it is common practice to apply from 60 to 70 pounds of P 2 5 per acre once a year to alfalfa. The material may be broadcast or put on in the irriga- tion water. Applications are usually made in December or January. Repeated trials on alfalfa have failed to show any response to potash. Seed production is an additional en- terprise for many alfalfa growers. Alfalfa for seed is allowed to grow and set seed after the May or June cutting. In the Imperial and Coachella valleys al- falfa seed crops must be irrigated. In the Palo Verde and Bard valleys seed crops are produced successfully without irriga- tion after the crop is turned to seed, though most of the fields are irrigated. Yields of 250 to 300 pounds of seed per acre are common, and a few of 800 pounds have been reported. To produce a good commercial crop of seed, the alfalfa flowers must be tripped and cross-pollinated. This work Desert Agriculture is usually done by domestic honeybees and wild bees and it is considered desir- able to have at least 2 strong hives of do- mestic honeybees per acre in or around the alfalfa seed fields. Lygus bug control is essential for successful production of alfalfa seed. But since many of the insecticides that work well in controlling Lygus bugs will also kill bees, it would be well for the grower to check with his local Farm Advisor for the latest information on the newer chem- icals. The insecticide picture changes constantly. BARLEY is the most important cereal crop grown in the desert area. It is grown alone and harvested as barley hay ; it can be sown in alfalfa fields and used either as a winter pasture crop (when the al- falfa is more or less dormant) or har- vested early in the spring with the alfalfa as mixed hay. When pasturing of barley is intended, it should be seeded between September 20 and October 1. Barley's greatest importance, however, is as a grain crop. The chief limiting factor in the pro- duction of barley grain is the extremely hot weather, and for this reason pastur- ing must be discontinued not later than February 1. Late plantings should not be pastured at all. Barley planted between November 1 and December 15 is usually not injured by frost. DISEASES and PESTS Control measures for diseases and pests are changing constantly, due to new discoveries. For the latest recommendations on control measures, consult the local office of the FARM ADVISOR Varieties, Since practically all of the barley grown in the region is sold as feed grain, quantity rather than quality is the objective, and the common varieties, California Mariout, Arivat, Club Mari- out, and Atlas are grown most exten- sively in the desert area. Culture. Drilling the seed is prefer- able to broadcasting. The use of 60 to 100 pounds of seed per acre is common practice when the barley is planted alone for pasture, hay, or grain; 30 to 40 pounds per acre (broadcast) is sufficient when barley is seeded in standing alfalfa for pasturage. The seed should be treated to prevent disease. Flood irrigation by the strip or border method is used, and an even supply of moisture should be available to the plants at all times during the growing and ripen- ing season. Moisture penetration should be obtained to a depth of at least 3 to 5 feet, depending on the soil. Fertilization tests have shown a fair to good response to the use of nitrogen on barley— tests of 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre have increased yields of barley 15 per cent above plots receiving no added nitrogen. No uniform response has been obtained from the use of phos- phorus alone. The average yield of grain from commercial fields will probably not av- erage more than 2,000 pounds per acre, though yields of 4,000 pounds have some- times been obtained. Pests. Barley is often attacked and seriously damaged by aphids. Early planting greatly lessens the danger of damage or loss from this cause. BEANS of various types have been grown in the desert region, and while the commercial possibilities of some have not been explored, what informa- tion is available is given below. Blackeye beans {Vigna sinensis), or cowpeas, are better adapted to the region than any of the other species of commercial beans. When grown under Desert Agriculture Page 17 favorable conditions they have made fair yields of good-quality beans. They may be planted in the early spring, as soon as danger of frost is past. Later planting— about July 1— for a fall crop is preferable, however. These beans are susceptible to wilt and to attack from nematodes. Therefore nematode-resistant varieties are recom- mended. Blackeye No. 5 is the variety grown for dry beans. Iron, Brabham and Victor varieties are grown only as green manure crops be- cause of their resistance to common bean diseases. The Iron variety is almost im- mune to both fusarium wilt and root-knot nematode injury; Brabham and Victor varieties are also highly resistant. The horse bean {Vicia faba) , some- times known as the broad, or Windsor bean, frequently makes excellent growth and a very satisfactory green manure crop when grown during the winter. When grown for green manure purposes, the small-seeded varieties (Vicia faba var. minor) should be used. Horse bean crops are not dependable, however, because the plants are subject to diseases and in some cases may be completely destroyed by aphids. Lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus) have never been established as a commercial crop in the region. Present varieties have not given satisfactory yields. Mat beans (Phaseolus aconitifolius) , formerly known as moth beans, have been successfully grown in the region, but they have been used only to a very limited extent. Further plantings would not appear advisable at this time. Mung beans (Phaseolus aureus), though susceptible to nematode attack, can be grown successfully in the region. Their culture and soil requirements are much the same as those for blackeye beans (see above). Mung beans can be grown either for seed or for green manure. Not more than 1,000 pounds of seed, or 7 tons of green manure per acre can be expected. Miscellaneous varieties. The Bayo, Pink, Pinto, California Red, and large white beans are not well adapted to com- mercial production in the desert region. For a discussion of snap beans, see page 33, under "Truck Crops." BROOMCORN (Sorghum sorghum var. technicus) is fairly well adapted to the desert region and has been grown commercially, but on a very small scale. While both the standard and dwarf va- rieties do well in the area, the crop is subject to rapid bleaching of the brush, and there are no broom factories in the immediate vicinity. The production of broomcorn in this area is not feasible without the use of a curing shed. BUCKWHEAT (Fagopyrum esculen- tum) has been tried in the desert region and found to be a failure. CASTOR BEANS (Ricinus com- munis), as an oil-bearing crop, are cur- rently being tried extensively in the area. The seed contains about 50 per cent oil which has industrial uses, and the residue of both the beans and the stalks is used in manufacturing processes. The seed meal, after extraction of the oil, is poison- ous and cannot be used as livestock feed. This plant is of tropical origin and does well under the climatic conditions found in the desert area. The varieties in use in the late 1940's produced from 1,500 to 3,000 pounds of seed per acre, but newer varieties show promise of yielding at least 25 per cent more. Planting of current varieties is usually done from February 20 to March 15— newer varieties may extend this planting season. Planting is usually made on flat borders, but low beds can be made if de- sired. The land should be well prepared so that seed can be planted uniformly about an inch deep. In no case should seed be planted more than 2 inches deep. Plant in straight rows so that cultivation can be used to keep the fields clean. Page 18 Desert Agriculture Irrigation should be applied often enough to maintain moisture through- out the root zone during the entire grow- ing season. Fertilization factors have not been thoroughly investigated but it is doubtful if any fertilizer is needed on the best land in the area, or following any other heavily fertilized crop. THE CLOVERS have been little used in the desert region for feed crops, partly because the vast acreage of alfalfa has relieved the demand for other crops of a like nature. Then too, the true clovers do not thrive in the area because of the in- tense heat. Thus clovers are not all-year crops; they do well only from fall to summer. Berseem clover (Trifolium alex- andrinum) grows moderately well when the winters are warm and it grows very vigorously in the spring. It has been only moderately satisfactory because of its susceptibility to injury by frost. Culture. It can be seeded with barley or oats for pasture, or it can be used for green manure. Seed yields of 500 to 800 pounds per acre have been obtained. When planted for the first time on a piece of land, the seed must be artificially inoculated with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Bitter or sour clover (Melilotus indica) is well adapted to the region and is one of the common winter-growing weeds, valuable as green manure or as a covercrop. It makes vigorous growth during the winter and succeeds on soils of various types. It has a decidedly bitter taste and is not relished by livestock. Culture. Bitter clover is annual in habit of growth, but it should not be planted in fields that may later be used for alfalfa seed production. Seed early in the fall, using scarified seed, if possible. When used as a green manure crop, it should be plowed under when it is in bloom. Bur clover {Medicago spp.) is valu- able as a pasture crop and can be used Desert Agriculture in annual or permanent pasture plant- ings. It produces large quantities of seed, but commercial seed production has never become established in the desert region. Hubam clover (Melilotus alba an- nua) is adapted to the desert region and is used as an annual pasture plant and for green manure. It should not be planted, however, in fields that will later be used for producing alfalfa seed. Ladino clover (Trifolium repens var. latum) will grow vigorously in the spring and moderately well in the fall. The hot summer weather usually kills off most of the plants during that period. This crop is not generally grown in the desert region, but when it is planted the seed must be artificially inoculated with nitrogen-fixing bacteria before planting. Red clover (Trifolium pratense) has been found unsatisfactory in the desert region, except as a spring annual. When planted the seed must be inoculated with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. White clover (Trifolium repens), also known as White Dutch clover, has the same limitations and requirements in the desert region as those given above for Ladino clover. White sweet clover (Melilotus alba) is a biennial plant. It does not com- pare favorably with alfalfa or Hubam clover in the desert region, and its plant- ing is not recommended. CORN of several kinds is now grown to a limited extent in the desert area. Field Corn (Zea mays). Some of the newer hybrid varieties of field corn have given reasonably good yields and this crop does not depress yields of following nonleguminous crops as severely as do the grain sorghums. The local Farm Ad- visor's office is able to supply the names of hybrid varieties best adapted to any locality. Culture. Corn should be planted as soon as danger of frost is over (about Page 19 February 15), or in late July or early August. This is to avoid its tasseling dur- ing the extreme summer heat, which will seriously interfere with pollination. Use only good land for growing corn; give it frequent irrigations and apply nitrogenous fertilizer during early growth of the plants. The most troublesome insects attack- ing corn are the corn earworm and the flea beetle. The latter gives most trouble in the spring plantings. Popcorn (Zea mays var. everta) should be planted in the late summer so that extreme heat may be avoided during the pollinating period. Like other crops, popcorn should be grown on well-prepared, fertile soil and given plenty of moisture. The damage done by corn earworms is often serious. COTTON {Gossypium spp.) is well adapted to the entire desert area, both the short- and long-staple varieties being grown. Most of the cotton acreage is planted to the Acala strains. Culture. Cotton grows best in the sandy loam and loam soils, but it has been grown extensively on some of the sandy soils. It does not do well on alkali or on very "hard" soils. Planting may be done any time after the soil warms up in the spring— usually March or April, though a few plantings have been made as late as June. Late plantings usually produce low yields. Seed is drilled on a moist, flat, seed- bed, using 15 to 20 pounds of seed per acre. If the soil is wet to a considerable depth at the time of planting, cotton is usually not irrigated for a considerable time. This discourages weed growth. After the plants start to bloom a con- stant, uniform supply of moisture should be available to the roots until the crop is mature. No satisfactory fertilizer tests have been completed on cotton in the desert area, but experience has shown that drilling from 50 to 70 pounds per acre of nitrogen, and the same amount of Page 20 P 2 5 , at the time of planting is a safe fertilizer practice. The material should be put in from 3 to 4 inches from the seed. Additional nitrogen may be neces- sary with the first irrigation after plant- ing, on the weaker soils. COWPEAS {Vigna sinensis). See Blackeye beans, page 17. CROTALARIA varieties are not well adapted to the desert area. Other green manure crops are much better adapted and the planting of crotalaria is not rec- ommended. FLAX (Linum usitatissimum) . Flax growing in the desert area has developed rapidly since the early 30's and is now one of the principal crops. More flax is produced in the area than in any other region of similar size in the United States. Beware of weeds! Flax competes so unsuccessfully with weeds that it is usu- ally impossible to grow more than 2 pay- ing crops of flax in succession on the same field. Weed control is usually not serious when a crop of flax is followed with some other crop. For best results the flax crop should follow a crop of alfalfa, or a summer covercrop. It may also follow sugar beets or vegetables. Planting. Use great care in preparing the seedbed for flax. If a summer cover- crop has been grown, it should be worked into the soil very well and the land should be irrigated to insure rotting of the covercrop material before planting. Be- fore planting, the land should be disked, floated, and preirrigated. Most flax is drilled in 6-inch rows, and across borders so that subirrigation adds to the total plant population. Drill the seed into the moisture so that it will sprout quickly— if the seed is drilled after the land gets too dry, the seed will be delayed in sprouting and weeds will get a chance to start. When flax is grown on land infested with weeds, it is good practice to plant in rows 18 to 24 inches apart, so that cultivation can be used to control weed Desert Agriculture This shows flax being harvested in the Imperial Valley. The flax is elevated directly from the combine into the semi-trailer and will then be transported to the nearby market in Los Angeles. growth. Selective weed sprays have also been used by some farmers on weed- infested land where the flax was not planted in rows. Irrigation, The moisture condition in the root zone should determine the num- ber of irrigations given to flax— most growers apply 5 irrigations during the growing season. Insufficient moisture during the grow- ing season, or irrigation stopped too far ahead of harvest are reasons for many failures. Fertilization. Flax responds to both nitrogen and phosphorus. Common prac- tice is to apply 65 pounds of phosphoric acid and from 40 to 80 pounds of nitro- gen per acre. Many more field tests are needed under varying conditions of fertility, but it is certain that the fertilization prac- tices on the previous crops have a direct bearing on the need for fertilizing flax. A series of tests in 1947, where flax fol- lowed heavily fertilized sugar beets, showed that the flax gave no response to added phosphate applications. It did show an increased production, however, of about 15 per cent with the addition of 50 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer per acre. GARBANZOS (Cicer arietinum) can be grown in the desert area but they have not been produced commercially because the market is apparently limited. Culture. When planted from October 15 to November 15, the beans can be harvested in April or May. The culture is about the same as for garden peas (see page 38). Garbanzos must be artificially inocu- lated with special nitrogen-fixing bac- teria when planted for the first time on any given land. Experimental plantings have yielded 1,500 to 2,000 pounds of beans per acre. Desert Agriculture Page 21 GRASSES are planted in the area for lawnsj for forage, and for seed. Alta fescue (Festuca arundinacea) has become very popular in the area. Many growers are planting it as the sole grass in permanent, irrigated pastures, and seed crops in the area have yielded 200 to 250 pounds per acre. This variety produces well throughout the year, even though it does decrease during the winter months. It is relished by livestock, is drought tolerant, and reasonably alkali tolerant. Culture, Alta fescue should be drilled, but may be broadcast in an alfalfa-type seedbed. A few growers have drilled al- falfa and Alta fescue in alternate rows, 6 inches apart. Liberal applications of nitrogenous fertilizer will generally increase the for- age yield. Bermudagrass {Cynodon dactylon) is one of the most important grasses in the area, succeeding on land that is too heavy and too alkaline for alfalfa. While it is a pest in cultivated fields, it is an excellent pasture crop (under good care, it has a surprisingly high carrying ca- pacity) and is valuable as a lawn grass because it remains green all summer with ordinary care. Excellent seed crops of Bermuda- grass can be produced; yields of 200 pounds per acre are not unknown. When a crop is grown for seed the field is usually pastured from Septem- ber to May, then the stock are removed and the field is thoroughly irrigated. The seed crop can be harvested late in August. Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) grows well from May through September but frosts down during the winter, like Bermuda- or Rhodesgrass. It is a very vigorous grower, and after a few years will form large clumps which are not killed by frost. It is not crowded out by Bermudagrass in the area. The young growth is relished by live- stock but the seedheads and stalks are not readily eaten, so Dallisgrass pastures should be mowed occasionally. Disadvantages. Young stands of fall-seeded Dallisgrass may be killed by winter frosts. Many of the seedheads are infected with ergot, which not only makes seed production hazardous, but may poison stock pasturing on the grass that is in seed. The latter trouble is rare, however. The use of Dallisgrass is decreasing in favor of Alta fescue because the latter is not as coarse, grows over a longer period, is equally drought and alkali re- sistant, does not crowd out other plants, and is not infected with ergot. Thus Dallisgrass should not be the only grass in a pasture. It will produce from 200 to 300 pounds of seed per acre, but as stated, seed production is hazardous since ergot destroys the seed. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium per- enne) does well in the desert area only during the winter and spring months. Annual ryegrass {Lolium multi- florum) does well only during the cool weather. It is not recommended for gen- eral planting, but may be seeded in per- ennial pasture (after an early fall re- novating) at a rate of about 10 to 15 pounds of seed per acre. Annual ryegrass is extensively used as a lawn grass, but needs liberal applica- tions of nitrogenous fertilizers. Johnsongrass {Sorghum halepense) is classified as a pest— planting of this grass is prohibited by law and its intro- duction into fields should be carefully guarded against. This grass propagates either by seed or root stolons. It is a very serious weed pest when once established. It is per- ennial in growth habit and resembles Sudangrass in several respects. Rhodesgrass {Chloris gay ana) is not recommended in the desert area. It is a perennial, propagates by seed and by layering of its spreading branches, and it produces fairly well. However, it Page 22 Desert Agriculture accumulates considerable salt when grown on alkaline soils and is not palat- able to livestock. Livestock do not thrive on it when grown under these conditions. Sudangrass (Sorghum vulgar e) is well adapted to the desert area and is popular as a summer pasture crop. By subdividing the field, and using alternate grazing and resting periods, Sudangrass may be pastured continuously until late fall. When grown on productive soils and under good care, it gives excellent yields. Culture. Sudangrass is adapted to a wide range of soils, but good seedbed preparation is necessary. It can be drilled or broadcast from April 1 to Au- gust 1. Under normal climatic conditions it will be ready to pasture within 6 weeks after the time of planting. Danger. Keep Sudangrass growing vigorously. If the plants become stunted from lack of moisture, or from frost, Sudangrass may be dangerous to live- stock because of prussic acid poisoning. GUAR (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) is an annual legume and may be grown as a green manure crop, or for seed produc- tion. The yield of green tops per acre varies from 12 to 19 tons. The plant is resistant to nematodes and produces an abundance of seed. Seeds of guar are hard and do not germinate readily so the soil should be thoroughly warm and moist at planting time. The use of scarified seed might increase the percentage of germination. For a maximum yield, a growing season of 90 to 120 days should be al- lowed. JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES (Heli- anthus tuber osus) grow well on light- and medium-textured soils and yields of 3 to 4 tons of tubers per acre can be ob- tained. When planted in April or May, the tubers will mature in November. This crop is used mainly as stock feed, but because other crops produce more feed, or are easier to handle, Jerusalem artichokes are not grown commercially in the desert region. Desert Agriculture KUDZU (Pueraria thunbergiana) has been tried several times in the desert region, but without success. It is not recommended for commercial planting. LESPEDEZA (Lespedeza stipulacea) or Korean lespedeza, as it is usually called, will grow, but is not well adapted to the desert area. MILLET (Setaria italica) includes the group of so-called foxtail millets, most varieties of which have given only fair results in trial plantings. Summer plantings usually do better than spring plantings, and hog millet (Proso) is the most satisfactory of the group. All of the millets are annuals. OATS (Avena sativa) have been grown to a limited extent but have never become an important crop, being con- fined to pasture and hay. When cut in the early dough stage, and properly cured, oats make hay of high quality. The Kanota and Palestine varieties have been the most satisfactory. Grain yields of 1,500 to 2,000 pounds per acre have been obtained and hay yields of 2 to 3!/2 tons per acre may be expected. PEANUTS (Arachis hypogaea) are well adapted to the sandy loam soils of the desert region, but satisfactory yields cannot be produced on the finer-tex- tured soils. Peanut tops make very good hay. The entire crop may be pastured to hogs; the tops may be harvested for hay and the nuts pastured to hogs; or the nuts may be harvested for market and the tops used as hay. Planting may be done any time after the danger of frost is past, up until about June 1. The Spanish variety should be planted in rows 3 feet apart, and about 8 to 12 inches apart in the rows. PEAS (Pisum arvense) have not been grown extensively in this area, but such varieties as the Canadian Yellow, Blue Prussian, Canada White, and others, grow reasonably well. Other soil-build- ing crops, however, are liked better by the growers. Page 23 Plantings made in October can be turned under in January or early Febru- ary. Field peas are attacked by aphids and mildew. RAMIE (Boehmeria nivea) is an ex- cellent fiber plant and is well adapted to the desert conditions. It is a perennial. Since an economic method of separat- ing the fibers has not been developed, there has been no market for ramie. RICE (Oryza saliva) can be grown successfully in the desert area if due at- tention is given to details during critical periods. In fact rice is grown on alkali lands as part of the reclamation process —the growing of rice will help to remove the alkali from the soil. In a few cases, on lands so badly impregnated with alkali that they had to be abandoned, the growing of one crop of rice removed so much of the alkali that good crops of milo (showing no alkali injury) were later produced. Adequate drainage must be pro- vided before rice is grown, or surround- ing lands may be severely injured. The greatest obstacle to the grow- ing of rice is the excessive sun-checking of the grain which occurs if it is exposed after reaching maturity. This may be overcome if provisions are made to han- dle the crop as soon as the grain is ripe, and before it has the opportunity to dry out completely. The seedbed for rice must be smooth and well prepared. Rough surfaces are unfavorable to the best germination and growth of the crop. The land must be carefully leveled and checked so that a uniform depth of water from 6 to 10 inches can be maintained. Flood the checks to a depth of 4 to 6 inches, and seed the rice in the water. This depth of water is maintained until the rice is established, then gradually increased to 8 inches or more as the plants grow. A maximum depth of 8 to 10 inches is maintained from the time the rice begins to head until the kernels are filled out and begin to harden. A PLANTING CHART for the various field crops listed here appears starting on page 28. The water should then be removed, so that the ground will be dry enough to support harvesting machinery by the time the rice is mature. Rice should be seeded in May or June, so that maturity will be delayed until after the period of highest temperature. A seeding rate of 125 to 150 pounds per acre should give a stand thick enough to insure even ripening. The common varieties are Edith, Blue Rose, and Zenith. RYE (Secale cereale) is not well adapted to the desert region as a grain crop. SAFFLOWER (Carthamus tinctorius) grows well in the desert area and the seed (which looks something like sun- flower seed) is used for oil production. After the oil is extracted, the residue can be used for cattle feed. The plant grows about 3 feet high, has a hard, pithy, stiff stem, and most va- rieties have sharp spines on the edges of the leaves and on the heads. Some new va- rieties without spines have been de- veloped. Culture. Safflower grows best in loam soils. It will compete with weeds more sucessfully than will flax. The seed should be drilled with a grain drill to moisture in a well-pre- pared seedbed. November is the recom- mended time of planting— yields of 2,000 to 2,500 pounds per acre have been ob- tained from experimental November plantings. The crop is harvested in late May or early June, by field combines. The stalks are burned or turned under. SESAME {Sesamum orientale) grows well in the desert region, but may not become profitable until new non-shatter- ing varieties are developed. Seed pods of the present varieties split and scatter Page 24 Desert Agriculture seeds on reaching maturity, and harvest- ing the crop is very difficult. SESBANIA (Sesbania macrocarpa) is one of the most rapid-growing and popu- lar summer legumes grown in the desert region. It can become a weed. Sesbania thrives only in the summer heat and if plenty of moisture is avail- able, will grow to a height of 8 to 12 feet in 60 days at this time of year. Sesbania broadcast on June 10 of one year, at a rate of 20 pounds per acre, attained an average height of 10 feet and a yield of 12 tons per acre by August 10, at which time it was turned under. Culture. There is little difference, if any, in yield obtained from seeding rates of 20 or 40 pounds per acre. The main advantage of the higher rate is that the plants will be smaller, easier to turn under, and will decompose more readily. Before planting the land should be disked. Sesbania is usually broadcast, then harrowed and irrigated by the strip or border method. Frequent irrigations should be given to force rapid growth, but no other at- tention is needed until the first seed pods form, at which time the crop should be turned under. Using scarified seed would probably in- crease the percentage of germination. Nematodes will attack sesbania, and this crop should not be grown on sandy soils in rotation with other susceptible crops such as melons, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Sesbania is also a host for the alfalfa caterpillar. When attacked by this pest the entire crop should be turned under immediately, before the caterpillars ma- ture, destroy the covercrop, and then spread to any nearby alfalfa fields. SORGHUMS {Sorghum vulgar e) are well adapted to the prevailing climate of the desert region. They are suited to a variety of soil types. Grain sorghums are the most im- portant in the region from a standpoint of acreage planted. Desert Agriculture Double Dv/arf Milo '38 is planted in a major part of the present grain sor- ghum acreage. The plants are dwarf in growing habit (2 to 4 feet high on the average) and uniform in height, there- fore well adapted to machine harvesting. Hegari has been grown in the area for some time and is still a favorite with some farmers. This too is a dwarf variety, produc- ing white grain splotched with pink or brown. The plants are more leafy, the heads more erect, and the foliage more succulent than milos. For this reason Hegari and Feterita stalks make better pasture after the grain has been har- vested, and better silage. Hegari, sown broadcast, has been used sucessfully as hog pasture. Kafirs produce fairly well but require a longer growing season than most other grain sorghums, so are not so popular. The kafirs tiller or stool (i.e., form bunches) very little, so require closer spacing in the rows than do milos. Martin Combine is probably the best adapted to the desert area; it is dwarf in growth habit and has large, erect heads. Other varieties. Practically all of the grain sorghums will grow well in the desert area, but for various reasons none but those mentioned above has become popular. Others that will grow well in- clude Durras, Feterita, Heileman milo, Shallu, Manko, and Ajax. Sorghum for silage. Sorghum silage is a very popular cattle feed in the desert area, and the Agricultural Extension Service, with the cooperation of some local growers, made tests over a period of 10 years to determine the best varieties of sorghums for this purpose. These were the findings: Atlas sorgo made the best yield of any variety used, averaging 27.6 tons per acre for the 10-year period. This variety made excellent silage. Honey sorghum yielded 21.9 tons per acre, and Selected Hegari gave 22 tons in the same period. Page 25 The results appeared to be conclusive in favor of Atlas sorgo or Hegari. Silage made from Honey sorghum gets too sour to be desirable. Atlas stands up better than Hegari, and is a naturally tall variety. Hegari has a tendency to grow shorter and increase in grain yield, unless seed is selected from the taller stalks each year. The grain yield of Hegari is generally higher than Atlas, but the forage yield of Atlas is higher. Either of these varieties fits well as a silage crop into diversified farm- ing in the area. Sorghum culture. Sorghums may be planted any time after the soil becomes warm in the spring, but tests have shown that late plantings (June 1 to July 1) re- sult generally in higher yields. Plantings should not be delayed so long as to en- danger the crop by frost damage before it is mature. Seeding flat on preirrigated land is the common practice, and is successful if ample moisture is present to germinate the seed without the necessity of another irrigation soon after planting. Plants should be spaced 4 to 6 inches apart in the rows so that heads will be smaller and more numerous, and the plants will stand more erect. From 4 to 5 pounds of seed per acre should be enough for such a stand. Sweet sorghums should be planted at a rate of 5 to 8 pounds of seed per acre. Warning. The sorghums (including Sudangrass) will cause a temporary re- duction in the nitrogen content of the soil, when grown in rotation with such crops as barley, wheat, or oats. Thus a sorghum crop should be followed by a legume. If followed by a cereal, the land must be heavily fertilized with nitrogen. SOYBEANS (Soja max) will produce good vegetative growth, but seed yields are low and varieties of soybean now available shatter badly. This is not a recommended crop in the desert area. SUGAR BEETS {Beta vulgaris) have become one of the important crops in the Page 26 desert region. They produce good yields in both tonnage and sugar content; fit well into the rotation program of the field crop or vegetable grower by provid- ing a good cash crop ; they can be grown successfully for at least 2 years on the same land. Culture, Sugar beets should be grown on good land, carefully farmed. The land should be fertilized with from 110 to 120 pounds each of phos- phoric acid (P 2 5 ) and nitrogen, per acre. The phosphoric acid should be ap- plied before planting; the nitrogen should be added as a side dressing, and made in 2 or 3 applications. Late September, October, and early November are the best times to plant. The beets may then be harvested from April to July. Precision planting is effective, and usu- ally 3 to 4 pounds of seed per acre is used. Thinning is done by hand, with popu- lations of 30,000 to 35,000 beets per acre resulting in the best yields and sugar content. This is accomplished by thin- ning to 5-inch spacings on 34-inch single- row beds, or 8-inch spacings on 42-inch double-row beds. Harvesting is usually done by machine and a single machine can harvest from 150 to 200 tons a day. Beets planted at the recommended time are seldom troubled with curly top dis- ease. Pests attacking sugar beets include crickets, grasshoppers, darkling ground beetles, sugar beet army worms, cut- worms, and aphids. The local Farm Ad- visor should be consulted on spray pro- grams to control these pests. Yield. Sugar beets will average from 16 to 17 tons per acre, with a 16 to 17 per cent sugar content. Higher and lower yields may be obtained, depending on the soil and farming methods employed. SUNFLOWERS (Helianthus annuus), while growing well in the desert region, have never become popular as a com- mercial crop because they produce less Desert Agriculture grain than the grain sorghums, and they are more expensive to harvest. Culture of sunflowers is very much the same as that recommended for sor- ghums (see page 25) . VETCHES {Vicia spp.) are valuable as forage and as soil-improving crops, but the seed must be inoculated with the proper nodule-forming bacteria, and then handled correctly, or failure is likely to ensue. Vetches are subject to damage by aphids and mildew, but planting in Sep- tember or early October will lessen the danger from these troubles. Purple vetch (Vicia atropurpurea) grows well during the fall, winter, and spring, and is used as a green manure crop and for pasture. It is usually seeded with barley or oats when used for pas- ture. When planted at the rate of 40 pounds of vetch seed and 15 pounds of barley seed per acre, from September 20 to Oc- tober 1, the crop will provide winter pasture starting in early December. Oats planted with vetch makes excellent hay, but since oats make better spring growth than barley, oats and vetch should be used for late (December and January) plantings for pasture. Common vetch {Vicia sativa) seed is usually cheaper than purple vetch. It does as well as purple vetch when planted after January 1, but plantings made at this time are more susceptible to damage from mildew and aphids. WHEAT (Triticum vulgare) is not as well adapted to the adverse soil condi- tions of the desert region as is barley, and has fallen in popularity as a crop. Culture of wheat is the same as for barley. Ramona '44, and White Federa- tion '38 are the best varieties for the area. Fertilization tests have shown re- sponses to both nitrogen and phosphorus, with the best response being obtained when both elements were used in com- bination. A large share of the field crops produced in the Imperial and Palo Verde valleys is marketed through cooperatives. Here loads of alfalfa and grain are ready for delivery to Los Angeles. 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In the desert, a large number of truck crops can be grown in the open fields without protec- tion during the coolest weather. Other truck crops, such as cantaloupes, cu- cumbers, squash, and tomatoes, need some protection when grown during the winter — usually glazed, transparent, paper "hot caps." Some of the early plantings are pro- tected by south-slanted shelters of kraft paper, supported by arrow weed or lath, built along the rows, leaving the south side exposed. Later in the season, when danger of frost and wind damage has passed, the covers are removed. Early maturity is the goal to be sought with nearly all of the warm-season commercial truck crops and all cultural practices are based on this. Soils. Well-drained, sandy soils in warm locations produce the earliest crops. Medium-textured soils give satis- factory yields of high quality. The fine- textured (clay) soils are the least suitable for truck crops. Soil conditioning requires the use of plenty of manure, either green manure or barnyard manure. The use of alfalfa in rotation with truck crops has been common practice for many years and the application of liberal quantities of barnyard manure, and the growing and turning under of covercrops are proven methods of in- creasing yields. When covercrops are used, they should be turned under in time to be completely decomposed before a truck crop is planted in the same plot. About 60 days will be required for this, as a rule. Many truck crops are grown with only commercial fertilizer, but animal ma- nures are desirable when cost allows. Irrigation of practically all truck crops is by the furrow method. The shal- low-rooted annual crops in this group require lighter but more frequent irriga- tions than the perennial or permanent crops. Pests that may injure truck crops are numerous and must be constantly guarded Two methods of hastening growth. At left a worker inserts stakes for a slanted shelter to trap sunlight for early corn. At right, hot caps serve to protect melons from frost and to gather heat. against. Rotation of vegetable crops with alfalfa or other field crops, or even with other vegetable crops, is desirable to re- duce disease. ARTICHOKES (Cynara scolymus) . The globe artichoke is a hardy perennial and produces very well in the desert region, but the heads are usually of poor quality. Commercial planting is not rec- ommended. ASPARAGUS (Asparagus officinalis) is well adapted to the desert region, but requires great pains and the proper choice of soil, or crop failure is likely to ensue. The plant is perennial in grow- ing habit. Soil* Asparagus is best grown on the so-called soft lands— sand gets into the spears in the very sandy lands. Fertilization. Large quantities of barnyard manure should be applied to the soil to supply the necessary humus and nitrogen needed for growing aspara- gus. It is recommended that 10 tons of good barnyard manure, supplemented by 500 pounds of ammonium sulfate per acre be applied. Weed control. Bermudagrass and noxious plants must be completely elimi- nated from asparagus fields— Bermuda- grass in the fields has caused crop failures. Frequent and thorough cultiva- tions are also necessary, together with considerable hand work with hoe and shovel, to keep out weeds. Planting. Asparagus is started in the nursery, from January to mid-spring. Plant the seed in double rows on 31/2- foot centers. Plants are spaced about 3 to 6 inches apart in the row. The use of low beds is advisable. When one year old, the seedlings are transplanted to the field, in trenches 8 to 10 inches deep, in rows 6 to 7 feet apart, and spaced 12 to 18 inches apart in the rows. A year after this permanent planting, the first crop will be ready to harvest for market. Cuffing begins the first of February and usually lasts from 6 to 8 weeks— the length of the season depends on the time of arrival of asparagus in large quanti- ties from other sections. After harvest has been discontinued, the asparagus should be allowed to grow to maturity. Irrigation should be given to enable the plants to develop the large heads they require. The mature tops are disked in December, and the plants irri- gated soon afterward, to start new growth for the next season. When fall harvesting is practiced, the tops are cut or disked in late September and the plants irrigated immediately afterward. Beans (Phaseolus spp.). For com- mercial dry beans, see page 17, under Field Crops. Both pole and bush type green beans are well adapted to the desert region and best yields are obtained from fall plant- ings because winds and weather often limit the yields of spring plantings. Culture. If planted in the spring, beans should be grown only in the more sheltered, warm sections. Early spring plantings will require from 90 to 100 days for maturity. As stated, fall plant- ings are usually better, maturing in 60 to 75 days. Bush types will come into bear- ing from 10 to 20 days ahead of pole types. Beans require a medium loam soil, with good drainage. Use good seed that has been treated to prevent rotting or damping-off. Liberal amounts of ferti- lizers, such as manures and nitrogen, should be added. Sulfate of ammonia, from 300 to 500 pounds per acre, used as a side dressing at planting time, is recommended. Pole types should be supported by wires, string, or poles. Beans are very susceptible to nema- todes, and should only be planted on soil that is known to be free of the pest, or that has been fumigated. BEETS [Beta vulgaris) . Table beets are not an important commercial crop. When grown in the home garden they should Desert Agriculture Page 33 be planted in the fall and grown as a winter crop because they are very sensi- tive to heat. For a discussion of sugar beets, see page 26. BROCCOLI (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is well adapted to the desert re- gion. The early Italian Green Sprouting is the variety commonly grown. Culture. The growth of this plant must be continuous and rapid, to pro- duce high quality heads. It grows best on heavy soil with a high water-holding capacity. Lighter soils, if used, must be heavily fertilized and the plants must have a continuous supply of moisture close to the surface. Broccoli requires large amounts of fer- tilizer, particularly nitrogen. Barnyard manure (10 to 15 tons per acre) worked into the soil prior to planting is bene- ficial, and as much as 100 to 150 pounds per acre of actual nitrogen may be ap- plied during the growing season. Unless grown on land which has had liberal applications of phosphate, a phosphate fertilizer should also be added. Broccoli is field seeded, in the desert region, and then thinned when the plants are 2 to 3 inches high. BRUSSELS SPROUTS {Brassica olera- cea var. gemmifera) are grown mostly as a home garden crop, where they do very DISEASES and PESTS Control measures for diseases and pests are changing constantly, due to new discoveries. For the latest recommendations on control measures, consult the local office of the FARM ADVISOR well. They mature more slowly than cab- bage but take the same cultural practices. CABBAGE (Brassica oleracea var. ca- pitata) is grown successfully as a winter crop and is of some importance commer- cially. Culture, Commercial plantings are seeded directly in the field in September or October. Good clay loam soil should be used. When the seedlings appear, they should be thinned to 18 inches apart, in double rows 3% feet apart. Frequent and light irrigations should be given. Harvesting is done from January to April. Pests attacking cabbage are cabbage worms and aphids. CANTALOUPES (See Melons, on page 37). CARROTS (Daucus carota var. sa- tiva) are grown as a winter crop and are rather important commercially in the desert region. They are not seriously in- jured by cold weather and so can be raised in colder locations than many other crops. Culture, Carrots do well in a sandy loam soil. They are usually planted from August 15 through November. The seed is planted in beds in double rows, from % to % inch deep. The seed must be kept moist until it has germinated. Both nitrogen and phosphorus are us- ually used for fertilizing carrots, but fer- tilizer practices in the area vary widely. Weeds can be controlled by using certain petroleum oils which are not injurious to the carrots. CAULIFLOWER {Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) is grown commercially to a limited extent. Culture of this crop is the same as that described for broccoli (see above). It does best on heavy land, but can be grown on lighter soils if plenty of ferti- lizer is used. Cauliflower requires both nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers. CHICORY (Cichorium intybus) has been grown successfully in the desert re- gion, but only on a small scale as a salad Page 34 Desert Agriculture plant. Chicory is often confused with endive (Cichorium endivia) . ■ Culture is the same as for lettuce (see page 37) except that the plants are spaced to 6 inches apart in the rows. CHIVES (Allium schoenoprasum) are strictly home garden plants, taking the same culture as for green onions (see page 38). COLLARDS (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) are of little importance as a crop in the desert area. Culture is the same as for cabbage (see above) but collards require a longer growing period. CORN (Zea mays var. rugosa) . Sweet corn is well adapted to the desert region, the largest acreage being in the Coachella Valley. About 95 per cent of the corn planted in the desert region is of Golden Cross Bantam variety, which takes from 75 to 110 days to mature, depending on planting time. Culture. Sweet corn is grown on a wide variety of soils but does best on those of medium texture. Very heavy clays are likely to be high in alkalinity and very light soils do not hold enough moisture. The very earliest that corn is planted is January 15, in the more sheltered, warmer sections. In areas subject to late frosts it should not be planted until Feb- ruary 15. Some corn has been produced under paper shelters— this corn matures the latter part of April, about 2 weeks ahead of the main crop. The main crop harvest starts about the first week in May and will run until approximately June 15. The corn is planted by a planter hooked on just behind the bed shaper. The row is planted about half way be- tween the bottom of the furrow and the top of the bed. The slope serves to trap heat and to carry away any salts depos- ited by irrigation water above the young corn plants. Sweet corn must have adequate mois- ture at all times. An especially critical Desert Agriculture period is from emergence to about 6 inches high, and again at silking time. Beds are spaced about 36 inches apart; the corn is thinned to 10 to 16 inches apart in the beds, after it has reached a height of about 4 or 5 inches. Suckering is not necessary to increase yields. Sweet corn is a heavy feeder of nitro- gen. Applications of nitrogen at the rate of 150 pounds per acre, one-half or two- thirds of it at planting time, and the rest as a side dressing before the plants are 6 to 8 inches high, is sufficient. Just one pest, the corn earworm, does serious damage to corn in the desert area, and the crop is not subject to many diseases. Some fall plantings of sweet corn are made in the area. The standard spring varieties and selections are used. Planting starts about August 20 and extends to September 15. The harvest- ing period starts during late October and will extend until frost. The limiting factors on fall sweet corn seem to be competition from other areas during the forepart of the harvesting period and the high cost of worm control. This worm problem seems to decrease in the event of cool weather. The worms giving trouble are lesser cornstalk borer, beet army worm, corn earworm, and fall army worm. Fair control may be obtained by weekly dusting or spraying with DDT. Shipping. A considerable amount of the corn shipped from the Coachella Val- ley is precooled and iced to take out the field heat. It is packed in crates of 4 to 6 dozen. Reduction of field heat to about 38° F preserves the sugars and results in a superior market quality. CUCUMBERS (Cucumis sativus) are well adapted to most of the region and have been grown commercially, but have not generally done well in the Coachella Valley. Culture is roughly the same as that for cantaloupes, except that cucumbers require more frequent irrigation. Page 35 :,^mm^»" %.:?v • , fSiiifl These are photos of three important truck crops grown in the desert area. At left is a field of cantaloupes in the Palo Verde Valley. Center: lettuce that was planted in the fall. At the time this They should not be planted in the open ground until after danger of frost is over, but they have been planted in January under caps. They are usually planted only in the warm districts. Fall crops are successfully grown from plantings made August 10 to 30. Aphids, nematodes, mildew, and bee- tles MUST be guarded against. If the soil is infested with nematodes, it should be fumigated before planting. DANDELIONS {Taraxacum spp.) are well adapted to the desert area, and may be grown if desired. They require a sandy loam and the culture is the same as that recommended for lettuce. EGGPLANT {Solarium melongena) is well adapted to the desert region and is usually grown in the warmer areas for out-of-season production. It is resistant to heat, but sensitive to frost. Culture. Seed may be planted in mus- lin-protected seedbeds in July or August and later transplanted to the fields. In this case, it is harvested from November to January. If frost does not kill the roots, the plants may be cut back in Feb- ruary and will produce a spring and summer crop. Page 36 Seed can also be planted in the field in February or March, or plants can be grown under protection in the winter and transplanted to the field in March. Eggplant requires an abundance of water and should be heavily fertilized. ENDIVE {Cichorium endivia) is often mistaken for chicory. It is well adapted to the desert region as a winter crop and its culture is the same as that for lettuce. GARLIC {Allium sativum) has been grown commercially and is well adapted to the desert area. It is a perennial plant of the onion family and is grown from sets (cloves). When the plants are ma- ture the leaves turn yellow, at which time they should be pulled, and the bulbs dried in the shade. (See "Onions," page 38.) KALE {Brassica oleracea var. ace- phala) is one of the common green crops that is grown during the cooler months of the year. Its culture is the same as that recommended for cabbage (see page 34) . KOHLRABI {Brassica oleracea var. caulorapa) is well adapted to the desert region. It is a member of the mustard family, but its culture is the same as that recommended for turnips. Desert Agriculture photo was taken (December 20) the crop was about three weeks from harvest. Right: carrots planted in August or September are dug in the winter and spring, bunched, tied and shipped all over U. S. LETTUCE (Lactuca sativa) is one of the major crops of the desert region and is well adapted to winter culture. Soil. Lettuce succeeds on a variety of soils, but clay loams produce earlier crops than do either the heavier or lighter types. However, high yields of excellent quality are produced on clay soils and many growers prefer silty clay. Sand blows into the heads on sandy land. Seedbed preparation should be very thorough. Lettuce should be grown in rotation with alfalfa. Covercrops or barnyard manure can be relied upon to supply needed humus— sesbania has been used extensively for this purpose on clay soil. Work the soil to a considerable depth, then level to insure perfect irrigation and prepare furrows 42 inches apart. For uniform maturity, the beds should run north and south. Planting. The seed is drilled in dou- ble rows about 12 inches apart in each of the beds, and later thinned so the plants are about 12 inches apart in the rows. Thinning should be done when the plants have 2 to 4 true leaves. Planting is done September 1 to 15 for fall lettuce, and Desert Agriculture September 20 to October 20 for winter and spring lettuce. Lettuce seed does not germinate well under high temperatures. Proper irrigation is essential. Con- siderable moisture should be present at all times, but under no circumstances should the plants be flooded. Small streams of water run in furrows for a long time will have the desired results. Fertilization. Both nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers are needed for max- imum yields, but no need has been found for potash on lettuce in the area. MELONS (Cucumis melo) . Canta- loupes, including Honeydews and Honey- balls, are the most important melon varieties grown in the desert region, and their culture is practically the same ex- cept for spacing and planting time. Culture. Good loamy soil that is well supplied with organic matter, and a thor- oughly prepared seedbed are essential to the profitable production of melons. Al- falfa land is especially suitable, but or- ganic matter can be supplied by growing and turning under covercrops, or by applying barnyard manure. All melon varieties related to the canta- loupe are grown on raised beds and irri- Page 37 gated by the furrow method. The rows should run east and west, with the beds sloped to the south, if possible. The seed should be planted on the south side of the beds, and the vines trained to the north over the tops of the beds, and thus contact of irrigation water with the fruit is avoided. Melons planted prior to February 15 should be protected by caps. They should not be planted in the open until after danger of frost is past. Both nitrogen and phosphate fertiliz- ers are required for maximum produc- tion. The chief enemies of the melon family are aphids, mildew, cucumber beetles, nematodes, and mosaic. OKRA (Hibiscus esculentus) grows well in the desert region. It is valuable for its edible pods which are used in soups and stews and in many other ways for flavoring. Culture. Okra may be planted in the open, as soon as danger from frost is over, and will succeed when planted as late as July. The young pods should be picked about every second day, during the fruit- ing season, because they grow very rapidly and soon become tough and valueless. ONIONS {Allium cepa) are grown in the desert region, but only to a limited extent because of competition by the early onions from other areas. Culture. All varieties of onions are grown best on medium to heavy soils. The soil should be free from pink root. Heavier yields are obtained from the Grano varieties. Most of the onion acreage in the Im- perial and Palo Verde valleys is field seeded; in the Coachella Valley most of the acreage is transplanted. Transplants are grown in nurseries, planted about September 1 to 15. Me- dium-sized transplants are preferred, and are set in the fields from November 1 to 30. Grano and Bermuda types which are field seeded should be planted about Oc- tober 5 to 10. Plant in beds, 2 rows per bed, about 8 inches apart— beds about 24 inches from center to center. If planted in single rows, beds with 12- to 14-inch centers should be used. Space transplants about 3% to 4 inches apart in the rows. Good land preparation is essential both for growth and for weed control. Young field seeded onions may be weeded by flaming, or by using selective weed sprays. About 100 pounds of nitrogen per acre at planting time in the beds, plus 50 pounds of P 2 5 is a common fertilizer practice. Thrips should be controlled by early and frequent applications of insecticide. PARSLEY (Petroselinum hor tense) is of relatively little commercial impor- tance, but does well as a winter crop. Its culture is the same as that recommended for lettuce (see page 37). PARSNIPS [Pastinaca saliva) do well in the desert area. They require a rich soil and take the same cultural practices as recommended for carrots. PEAS {Pisum sativum) are of consid- erable importance as a winter crop and are adapted to a variety of soils. Most of the peas grown in the area are bush types, but a small acreage of edible-pod peas and other types are grown. Culture. Peas are ordinarily planted from September 15 to October 15, though plantings can be made as late as February. Plantings should be made early enough in the fall, or late enough in the winter so that the blooms and small pods will not be injured by frost. Pea seed should be artificially inocu- lated with the proper nitrogen nodule- forming bacteria, and the soil must be A PLANTING CHART for the various truck crops listed here appears starting on page 42. Page 38 Desert Agriculture well prepared and in prime condition at the time of planting. Bush types may be planted in single or double rows, but most late winter plantings are made in single rows. Plant in moist soil, but do not irrigate until the plants are up. Too much mois- ture will cause the seed to rot. When up, the peas should be irrigated frequently enough to keep the soil moist. In addition to the danger of frost in- jury on blossoms and young pods, grass- hoppers sometimes seriously damage young plants, and aphids are always a menace to the crop. PEPPERS (Capsicum spp.) require considerable care but have been a good crop when grown in favorable localities. Culture. Pepper seed is usually field planted on south-sloping beds from Sep- tember 25 to November 1, with the main planting dates from October 1-15. Most of the peppers are field seeded. Occa- sionally some growers transplant pepper plants from the thick field seedings to other fields. If there is danger of frost these transplants have to be sheltered. Pepper plants are set back consider- ably by transplanting. Field plantings are frequently thinned by clipping off the surplus plants close to the ground. Pulling surplus plants may disturb the roots of the plants left. Peppers must be protected during the winter against frost. "Shelters," made of 18 to 24-inch kraft paper, are put in on the north side of the plant row and are slanted south over the pepper row. The kraft paper is held in place by lath on either side of the paper. The lath are held in place by a top wire anchored to posts. The shelter gives considerable pro- tection against frost and reflects the heat from the winter sun onto the plants. A sandy or sandy loam soil is desir- able. Peppers require frequent irrigation, and must be kept free of weeds. They need heavy fertilization with manures and inorganic fertilizers. They are subject to many diseases and pests. POTATOES (Solarium tuberosum) are not well adapted to the desert area, being sensitive to both the heat of summer and the cold of winter. Yields are compara- tively low (15,000 to 20,000 pounds per acre) compared with the recognized potato-growing areas. Culture. When grown, potatoes should be planted early to take advantage of the relatively short spring season. Early ma- turity is essential. See chart, page 44. The soil should be kept uniformly moist by frequent light irrigations. Ap- plications of 150 pounds of nitrogen per acre are also recommended for best re- sults. PUMPKINS (Cucurbita pepo) are well adapted to the desert region and all varieties do well, but the pumpkin crop is of minor importance commercially. Best results are obtained when the seed is planted about July 1 so that the fruits will mature just before frost. RADISHES (Raphanus sativus) are well adapted and do best in the lighter- textured soils. They may be planted at intervals from September 1 to April 1. Seed should be planted in a deep, well-prepared soil and irrigated frequently for quick growth, to produce crisp, tender roots. They are not grown commercially. ROSELLE (Hibiscus sabdariffa). The buds and young leaves of this plant are used in jelly making and the plant grows well in the desert region. Roselle requires a long growing season, and seeds should be planted in the spring after danger of frost is over. SALSIFY (Tragopogon porrifolius) may be grown by the same cultural meth- ods recommended for carrots (see page 34). SPINACH (Spinacia oleracea) is well adapted to the desert region, but should be grown during the cooler months from fall to spring. It should be planted in double rows and takes about the same cultural practices as those given for let- tuce (see page 37). Desert Agriculture Page 39 SQUASH of both winter and summer varieties grows well. Summer squash (Cucurbita pepo) is usually planted in the warmer locations for winter or early spring production. Plantings made during the winter are protected by caps, or kraft paper shelters. Winter squash {Cucurbita maxima) acreage has been small because there is no particular advantage to growing this crop in the desert. Plantings can be made in August for winter production, or in the early spring for early summer pro- duction. SWEET POTATOES (Ipomoea bata- tas) have been important as a commercial crop purely because of early maturity- yields have not been too satisfactory. The main varieties grown have been Jerseys and Porto Rican types. Culture, Sweet potatoes are best adapted to sandy soils— too much sand in the soil, however, causes difficulty in maintaining moisture and plant food in the root zone. The plants are grown in artificially heated seedbeds established in late De- cember. The plants are transplanted in the field in late February or early March. The earlier the plants can be transplanted in the warmer section, the earlier and better the crop will be. The plants are sensitive to cold, and should not be put in the open field until danger of frost is over. Space the plants 12 to 14 inches apart in rows about 36 inches apart. They are normally ridge-planted, fertilizer being applied in the band alongside the young plants. Since transplanting is usually done at a time when wind hazard is severe, it is generally desirable to provide windbreaks at frequent intervals across the field. The crop is usually harvested in July and early August to reach the market well ahead of the regular producing areas in other parts of southern California. TOMATOES (Ly coper sicum esculen- tum) have been grown successfully in the warmer locations of the desert region for many years, and here again the element of earliness contributes to their desir- ability. The main spring varieties are Earliana, First Early, and Pennhart, with First Early and Earliana being the first to ma- ture. For fall planting (winter harvest) Pennhart is commonly used for August planting, and Pearson for September planting. Planting for spring tomatoes should be done in November, and only on the higher elevations and in the warmer sec- tions of the valleys. Seed is planted directly in the field, on beds 6 feet apart. Prior to planting, it is well to apply 3 to 5 tons of barnyard manure per acre to the soil; the roots of the young plants reach down into this mass of decaying manure, make a good start and con- tinuous growth. Shelter the plants with paper or lath shelters to prevent excessive radiation of heat from the soil during cold nights, and to trap heat during the day. The shelters should be exposed to the south and may be removed early in February, when the soil begins to warm up and the plants begin to grow more rapidly. Staking. In the Coachella Valley to- mato plants are trained upright on lath held by wires and posts that supported the shelters. In the Imperial and Palo Verde valleys, the plants are allowed to lie on the ground. Thin the plants to about 10 or 12 inches apart in the rows. Harvesting, The fall-planted crop matures in November and December and picking continues into February or March; the winter-planted crop begins to mature in late April, with peak pro- duction in mid-May and into early June. The first strong clusters (5 to 6) are the most important fruits from the stand- point of monetary return. The use of hormone materials for setting fruits under cool temperature has proved bene- ficial. Page 40 Desert Agriculture These tomatoes were planted November 14 and protected with shelters. This photo, taken Feb- ruary 7, shows plants in bloom, but with few fruit set. Harvest will start about April 15 to 20. Pests and diseases make tomato growing difficult as the plants are sub- ject to a wide variety of troubles. Details on tomato growing, many of which ap- ply to the desert region, will be found in either or both of the following publica- tions: Ext. Cir. 160, Tomato Propaga- tion, by P. A. Minges, J. B. Kendrick, J. E. Spurlock, and D. M. Holmberg (1950) ; or Ext. Cir. 167, Tomato Pro- duction in California, by J. H. Mac- Gillivray, A. E. Michelbacher, and C. Emlen Scott (1950). With the coming of summer weather in May and June, the size of the fruits begins to lessen and the vines begin to deteriorate. The soil should be worked up and planted to a covercrop, following tomatoes. WATERMELONS {Citrullus vulgaris) are well adapted to the desert region, which is noted for early production of melons of excellent quality. Culture, Watermelons require "soft" land. The use of heavy clay should be avoided. Planting is done under caps from De- cember to February, or in the open field after danger of frost is over. They are usually planted in beds 8 to 9 feet apart, with a slope toward the south. Nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers are used as a general rule. Watermelon wilt is present in the area, so wilt-resistant varieties only should be planted. Watermelons should not be grown on the same land oftener than once every 4 or 5 years. Desert Agriculture Page 41 a 2 2 g ©^ cS O In ITS fc b b h >} & ft*? o r; 1 ?; r; *' -I? ► -a 4 o o , ~ l g I I *H W 5 © ft S »2 « ft O bPwh§0<0 § 43 2 •? >% s d Q oo * rH 03 N N CO 00 rH N t/> 5. e ft © CU ft Is CO iH tH d o u a O u. a < o z 111 -I < u O z z ®£ o o 3 * s ■§■§■§ o o o -3 -3 -3 « n co n jo ^ ^ CO ^ CO V © 73 Z .Q 4 ©° O H _i W U5 e- *•• s 3*3 bo ,0 ho bs a; 3 a; a 3 a fa < fa < < £ o> © d> ® wmmQ ft Q. ft ft c © 2 © 3 . ° & £ S H . | s S* ©■ * ^ <- to o <• 4J - -o ■ 3 — * -5 43 a, K ) i?Mi>«>3.s2-2'3* & < Q oO« h ft fa 3 fa 72 s © .5 -43 O W .© s £3 o S n >» 8 2 ■* ■2 ft « § i M n i3 5pQ 3 g 3 "3 ? .3 ow 8 i ft •« SP ? w s o s « 3 © i- © -3 h - u 3 3 o O o m cj o o i-H rt rt< 1 o m A O O (N a o H rH •o o Hfi«H ^ O « ,! CO CO CO O N © X! XJ J* 3 3 3 O O •O 73 •3 tD M Ci ^< ^ ^ ^ (O co ■* -* CO CO 00 CO CO © J» 3 3 3 W « N > .a ° £ . .S r» Ph .3 g ^ >7l « -t-» T*. T*. a. 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T » rH rH » 2.fc i> *? < I 9 i w 2 o o o CO CO 3 O -5 fc 53 5? » •3 05 > o pa ° 2 •3 B M J5 • to "S hh .5 •3 ^ ft 3 .3 g O -3 p; p | f f 1 i 1 : ■4 1-t ce eg ► 'S >> 5 p • 5 S S S 8 -a ? tf w M u o co H, 11 ^ B & ■S I s M - 2 o a 3 - w -g z % < M rt S3 •= J3 I- = c3 O 05 S {3 O 05 H W >- K H 0H $M .5 B S B 05 * £ 3 2 " fi b" S- £ * to H _B Jid W K2 ,r.i w § .fc! « ^ |"g I s s Ph w w ^05 ■as B M 0>° O O O x O O O W t3 -3 O O O O O cow -3.C < ce ■o T3 -d T) o o o o o o o o OOOO o o O o o m COM tf WW B -ti .B ^ i I B £ W t/3 O o CO c3 P o to H Since as long ago as 1912, a many experimental plantings of great fruit, vine, and nut crops have been made at the University of California's Field Station in the Imperial Valley. It didn't take long for the experiments to show that the desert area was not likely to be impor- FRUIT, VINE, AND NUT CROPS (with a few exceptions) do better in other regions of California tant in the field of fruit production— especially deciduous fruits. However, some citrus fruits are grown in the area, and recently there have been increased plantings of grapes and dates in both the Coachella and Imperial valley regions. Some fruits not only cannot be recom- mended for commercial planting in the desert region, but their past performance has shown that they will not even do well in the home garden. Here is a list of such fruits : Almonds Apples Avocados Bananas Cherries Gooseberries Guavas Mangos Pineapples Some fruits, while not recommended for commercial planting, may be grown Here is a quick checklist of fruits that are not recommended in the desert region with very moderate success for home gardens. Here is a list of such fruits: Apricots Blackberries Dewberries Jujubes (Zizyphus jujuba) for ornamental pur- poses, mainly Kumquats (Fortunella spp.) need protection against frost Limes Loganberries Loquats (Eriobotrya japonica) for ornamental purposes Mulberries (Morus spp.) for shade trees, good in poultry yards Olives Raspberries Preparation is important in the planting of any crop of a semipermanent nature, such as fruits, nuts, grapes, or berries. Most tree fruit crops require a deep, loamy, well-drained soil, reasonably free from alkali to a considerable depth. Even the best soil to be found in the desert area should probably be flooded to leach out alkali salts before planting. Land that has maintained a good stand Desert Agriculture These fruit crops are grown commercially or may have commercial possibilities of alfalfa for a number of years is the most desirable and if alfalfa land is not obtainable, a summer covercrop of some high-producing green manure crop should be grown and turned under in the fall previous to planting an orchard. Such land should be worked deeply and thor- oughly, then disked and harrowed. Grading the land for perfect irriga- tion is important— the necessity for level- ing the land properly before planting Page 45 cannot be overemphasized. In the final stages, using a heavy float for filling in slight depressions will be beneficial. On white (sandy) soils, the reflected sunlight may burn the trunks and foliage of young trees, and in this case it is well to plant alfalfa on the land, turn furrows in the alfalfa, and plant the trees in the furrows. The alfalfa can be har- vested, or mowed and left on the ground. After the trees reach sufficient size, the alfalfa can be turned under. The trunks of all trees should be white- washed to prevent sunburn during the first few years. DATES {Phoenix dactylifera) are ideally adapted to the desert region. In 1948 about 90 per cent of the date acre- age of the United States (3,600 bearing acres and 1,425 nonbearing acres) were located in the area. The relatively high temperature and low humidity, together with fertile soil and an abundance of water make a natural environment for date culture. Only offshoots of palms of known va- riety and production performance should be planted. Varieties. Not all varieties are adapted to the same conditions. The Deglet Noor variety is planted on most of the acreage. It requires higher tem- peratures and lower humidity than many of the other standard varieties, and is well adapted to the Coachella Valley area of the desert region. The softer varieties, Khadrawy, Halawy, and Barhee have generally been superior in the Imperial, Bard, and Palo Verde valleys. Soils. Dates can be grown on a wide variety of soil types but they do best in good soils of the sandy and sandy loam types. They will survive on heavy soils containing alkali, but will not produce satisfactory commercial crops. Preparation, The commercial life of a date planting is 40 years or more. The palms will live much longer, but grow so high that handling is expensive. A new date orchard being planted with offshoots of parent palms. Note irrigation method. Page 46 Desert Agriculture Since preparing a date garden is a long-time investment, it should be done properly; the land and soil selected care- fully, the leveling done accurately. An adequate irrigation system should be in- stalled and an ample supply of water assured. Experience has shown that at least 8 to 10 acre-feet of water per year is neces- sary for good production on bearing palms. In the summer, dates are irrigated every 10 to 14 days; in the winter, every 30 to 40 days. Planting offshoots. While date palms can be grown from seed, no two seedling palms are alike and only a few seedlings produce fruit of good quality. Thus plantings should be made from offshoots (plants) taken from trees of proven quality. The offshoot is exactly like, and produces fruit exactly like the parent palm. Offshoots develop during the early life of the palm, from buds on the trunk. When the offshoot is 3 to 5 years of age it can be removed from the parent and planted in the field or nursery. Offshoots are usually removed any time between April and July. Normally vigorous offshoots will begin to produce commercial crops in from 3 to 5 years after planting. Culture, For detailed cultural infor- mation on dates, see U.S.D.A. Cir. 728, Date Culture in the United States, and U.S.D.A. Leaflet 170, Date Growing in the United States. FIGS {Ficus carica) are reasonably well adapted to the desert region and many varieties have been grown success- fully. However, the figs do not drop readily and local conditions for drying are unfavorable, so the crop should be marketed as fresh fruit. The market for fresh figs is rather limited— a factor limit- ing profitable production. Fig trees usually bear some fruit when they are one year old, and if well cared for, produce heavily at 4 years old. Plenty of water should be applied to the Desert Agriculture DISEASES and PESTS Control measures for diseases and pests are changing constantly, due to new discoveries. For the latest recommendations on control measures, consult the local office of the FARM ADVISOR trees and the fruit should be thinned if large sizes are desired. One crop a year may be expected. GRAPEFRUIT (Citrus paradisi) is an important fruit crop in the desert region —trees produce an abundance of excep- tionally high-quality fruit. The ideal soil is a sandy loam, reason- ably free from alkali, having good drain- age and containing a good supply of plant foods. Clay soils, or soils contain- ing alkali should be avoided. The method of preparing the land for grapefruit is discussed on page 45. Protection against wind, sunburn, and cold is needed— a large percentage of the cull and second-grade fruit shipped from the area is so classified because of wind injury. A planted windbreak of either athel (Tamarix articulata) or eucalyptus will give good protection (see page 11). The trees need special protection against sunburn and frost while they are young. During the warm season the trunks should be whitewashed; in the fall, cornstalks or palm leaves may be bundled around them to protect from cold. Burlap is also used for this purpose. Young plantings may also be damaged by pests. In some instances damage has been caused by the fire ant, but flood irrigation tends to protect the trees against damage by ants, as well as from Page 47 the accumulation of salts. Thrips also attack young trees occasionally, and severe measures may be needed to reduce such injury. GRAPES (Vitis spp.) are grown suc- cessfully in the desert region, but the in- dustry is confined to the raising of early table grapes. Because earliness is es- sential to profitable production, warm locations are of paramount importance. Details of grape culture are covered in Ext. Cir. 116, Grape Growing in Cali- fornia, by H. E. Jacob, revised by A. J. Winkler (1950), but the following sug- gestions apply to the grapes raised in the desert area only. The soil should be free from alkali and well drained. If ground water is at a level nearer than 6 feet from the surface, the land should be avoided for grapes. Varieties. Of about 100 varieties tested at the Experiment Station, only a few have shown much promise in the desert region. Thompson Seedless is the favorite and is most extensively grown at this writing. Malaga, once a popular variety, now holds second place and is on the decline. Early colored grapes have found a place in the Coachella Valley, mainly to supplement the shipments of Thompson Seedless. Of these, Red Malaga and Ribier are the most firmly established. Their season is about 10 days behind the first Thompson Seedless. Time of ripening of the Thompson Seedless ranges from June 6, in the warmest areas, to July 15, in the cooler areas. Earliness is consistent with areas of higher mean temperatures during the spring, and sandy type soils. Irrigation. A mature vineyard in the desert region requires the application of 5 to 6 acre-feet of water during a year. On very sandy soil, water must be ap- plied about every 5 to 10 days, from April through the summer. Winter irriga- tion is not practiced except in February, when the vines are encouraged to start growth. Page 48 Young vines require less moisture than mature vines, but it is desirable to irri- gate them more frequently, applying the water to the vine row. Protection. Wind may cause severe damage during the first year or two after planting a vineyard. Grapes are fre- quently planted in fields planted to barley or other cereals, or in alfalfa fields that are free of Bermudagrass. LEMONS (Citrus limonia) are not commercially important in the region, but they produce fairly well when given ample protection from wind and cold. They are also sensitive to the hot, dry climate, so irrigation must be frequent during the hot months. A few commercial plantings have been made in the warmer locations, and the crops are harvested during the fall and early winter. ORANGES (Citrus sinensis) are grown commercially to some extent in the desert region, but only the Valencia type (in the Coachella Valley) because it ripens during the winter months. The Washington Navel orange grows well in the region, but the fruit does not have the fine flavor that it does when grown in more favorable areas. Oranges should be planted on sandy loam soils that are reasonably free from alkali, and which have good drainage. Since rootstocks and strains of citrus are important considerations for any plantings in the region, the prospective grower would do well to consult the local office of the Farm Advisor for the latest information on this subject. PEACHES (Amygdalus persica) do not do too well in the desert because until recently all varieties available required cold winters to break their rest period. However, a number of new varieties that do not require so much chilling show promise. More experiments are needed before definite recommendations can be made. All peaches are fairly short-lived in the desert region. Desert Agriculture A ground cover of barley and purple vetch is planted in the winter to provide green manure and to prevent blowing of the soil in this vineyard in the Indian Wells area of the Coachella Volley. PECANS (Hicoria pecan) will grow well and set good crops under favorable conditions. They have generally failed as a commercial crop. Pecans require deep, sandy, or sandy loam soil that is practically free from alkali. Several hundred acres have failed due to one or more of the following causes: high water table, alkali, or heavy soil. Then too, other areas in the southern states, where both land and labor costs are lower, have made pecan plantings questionable in the desert region. PERSIMMONS (Diospyros spp.) of the American species have been a failure, but the Japanese varieties have done comparatively well. The Hachiya and Tanenashi varieties have produced fruit of very acceptable quality. The trees are extremely susceptible to sunburn and must be well protected. To date the crop is of no commercial importance, but is popular in home plantings. PLUMS (Prunus domestica) of the American and Japanese species have done fairly well in the desert region, but the European varieties (usually dried into prunes) should be avoided. Plum trees do best when cross-pol- linated, and trees should be so arranged in the planting to provide this. They can be grown for home use, and might be grown for local and nearby markets. 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P s 2 g .a .sa .a .a © S e££AoMAAAA££ANAiEIM£e£e£d£Sd£££££££5££-£££ POMEGRANATES (Punica grana- tum) have little commercial demand, but the trees do well in the desert region, and are often used for decoration and for low windbreaks. Pomegranates are easily propagated by cuttings, are adapted to a variety of soils, and are even somewhat alkali tol- erant. The fruit is exceptionally good and highly attractive. QUINCES (Cydonia oblonga) do com- paratively well and produce yields of ex- cellent quality, but again, as with pome- granates, there is little commercial de- mand for this fruit. They are not exacting as to soil requirements, but need a reasonable amount of care. They should be included in home plantings. STRAWBERRIES (Fragaria spp.) have been grown commercially in the desert region for many years. They suc- ceed reasonably well, but require con- siderable skill and understanding on the part of the grower. Cultural hints. Do not plant straw- berries on alkali soil; use only hardy varieties, of proven value, and those which produce an abundance of foliage (to protect the fruit against the heat). Plant in sandy loam and give frequent irrigations. Since earliness of maturity is the principal advantage gained in the desert region, all cultural practices should be geared to attain this goal. TANGERINES (Citrus nobilis var. deliciosa) do well in the desert region and have produced good yields of high- quality fruit. They have about the same cultural requirements as oranges. Algerian tangerines do not self-polli- nate satisfactorily. Dancy tangerines or other citrus that will pollinate Algerians should be interplanted. Before planting tangerines, however, the grower would do well to consult the local Farm Advisor's office for the latest information on varieties, rootstocks, and cultural practices. LIVESTOCK RAISING is very important in the desert area, and is getting more so The importance of livestock to the agriculture in the desert area can hardly be overemphasized. The late Dean Hunt of the University of California expressed the fact with the statement that "Any permanent prosperity for agriculture in Imperial County would be founded on livestock." The same can be said for the entire desert area. Boom times have a tendency to create what looks like a per- manent prosperity through other types of farming but at the first indication of hard times, livestock farming is again the most attractive. Crop rotations required to hold up the productivity of land in these areas neces- sitate keeping approximately one-third of the cultivated areas in alfalfa. This creates an abundant supply of very good feed at a low cost. Livestock fit naturally into a situation of this kind and in addition to the profits from the industry, there is much benefit to the soil from the alfalfa that is grown and fed locally. Dairying in southern California has had a tendency to move closer to the larger centers of population, but some dairies in the desert region have put in the necessary buildings and equipment for producing Grade A milk. Production of churning cream has decreased in the area. There are both advantages and dis- advantages to dairying in the desert region. Cost records on 14 dairies in the areas some years ago showed that those Desert Agriculture Page 51 About 100,000 head of cattle and 200,000 head of sheep are brought from the ranges and pastured in the valleys of the desert region each year. Some are marketed directly from pasture. herds spending 78 per cent of their feed bill on alfalfa pasture produced butterfat for 11 per cent less cost than those herds putting only 50 per cent of their feed cost into pasture. The long, hot summers decrease milk production and work a particular hard- ship on breeders of purebred cattle who are trying to build up very high produc- tion with a small number of selected cows. On the other hand, hay is less expen- sive than it is on the coast, and dairymen can make use of pasture for practically the entire year. Sorghum silage is also produced very cheaply, thus cutting feed costs for the producing herd and making economical production of replacement stock feasible. Beef cattle and sheep. The desert area is well adapted to the winter feeding of beef cattle and sheep— about 100,000 beef cattle and 200,000 sheep are brought in each year from the range and finished in the area. Most of the sheep and a large part of the cattle are marketed di- rectly from green alfalfa or other pasture. However, the finishing of cattle on concentrates and hay in feed lots is grow- ing, and several large commercial feed yards have been established recently. Page 52 This is in addition to yard-feeding done by individual stockmen. It is likely that the region will, for a long time to come, remain largely a feeding and finishing area for range animals. The following is a typical record of farm lot feeding of beef cattle furnished by a cobperator: Number head 32 Average days fed 164 Net weight at start (lbs.) 580 Net weight at close (lbs.) 927 Total net gain (lbs.) 347 Average daily gain (lbs.) 2. 11 m . Total amt. Feed Consumed j n lbs. Ground milo 819 Cottonseed meal 63 Flax screenings 31 Ground barley 84 Ground milo heads 210 Hegari silage 2,400 Alfalfa hay 600 Ground Hegari fodder 14] Average daily concentrates 7.35 Average daily dry roughage 4.50 Average daily silage 14.61 Several thousand ewes are brought into the area each winter and lambed out on pasture. The lambs are marketed in late spring as milk-fat lambs, and the ewes are then finished on pasture. Desert Agriculture Breeding herds. There is interest on the part of some farmers in the desert area in raising at least part of their feeder cattle. The few breeding herds which have been maintained in the area have demon- strated the need for at least some Brah- man or similar blood in the stock to in- sure satisfactory gains. The common beef cattle, Herefords, Shorthorns, and Angus soon get into such condition that the calves do very poorly when running on the cows, and seldom make satisfac- tory gains on feed after weaning. In 1945 records were kept by one farmer who made a comparison between pure Brahman, pure Hereford, pure Shorthorn, and a 50-50 Brahman-Here- ford cross. The record showed an increase of about 10 per cent gain in weight for the pure Brahman calf, over a pure Short- horn of the same age. The Brahman- Hereford cross, at 8 months of age, was approximately 30 per cent heavier than the pure Shorthorn of the same age. Since there is considerable feed that can be salvaged on most ranches, a small herd of breeding cattle may prove desir- able. This practice would be especially attractive when the price of feeder cattle is extremely high. Pasture. While alfalfa is the most common irrigated pasture crop, there is considerable acreage planted to perma- nent pasture consisting mainly of alfalfa and Alta fescue (see page 22) . These are seeded at the rate of from 10 to 12 pounds of each per acre, and usually drilled separately in alternate 6-inch rows. The addition of one pound of bur clover per acre to any pasture will pro- vide a limited amount of highly nutriti- ous and palatable leguminous feed dur- ing the cold weather, when other desir- able legumes make poor growth. Annual pastures, including Sudan- grass, are widely and successfully used in the area (see "Grasses," page 22). Protection, If reasonable gains are to be made on pasture, especially with young cattle, they must be provided with an abundance of shade and water (water should be cool) during the summer months. A supplement of dry hay or good straw should also be provided near the shade and water. Gains of approximately one pound per day have been made under these condi- tions during the summer months, and of approximately 1% pounds per day as an average in the winter and early spring months. Swine. With the exception of the period immediately following World War II, when grain prices rose sharply, swine production has been a sizable industry in the desert region. Over a period of time, a farmer who markets feed grains efficiently through livestock has had a better return for his grain than the op- erator who sells the grain. The desert region is particularly for- tunate in having an excellent hog market These are characteristic scenes of swine and sheep on winter pasture in the desert region. The raising of livestock is becoming more and more important in the agricultural picture in the area. %i I m near by and this advantage can probably be maintained for a long time because (at this writing) over half of the pork consumed in California is still being brought in from the midwest. The heat has never been a serious handicap in pork production when an abundance of water has been provided for both drinking and wallows. While housing requirements are nominal, due Protection against the heat and wind are vital to the comfort of both man and beast in the desert region, and orna- mental plants and trees are very desir- able. The subject of planted windbreaks is discussed more thoroughly on page 11. Although experimental work on orna- mentals has been limited, it is felt that the following list of plants and trees may be suitable for the purposes for which they are listed. Shade and Ornamental Trees Acacia melanoxylon (blackwood acacia) Br achy chiton populneum (Australian bottle tree) Casuarina stricta (beef wood) Ceratonia siliqua (carob) Citrus paradisi (grapefruit or pomelo) Cupressus glabra (smooth Arizona cy- press) Cupressus sempervirens (Italian cy- press) Carya illinoensis (pecan) Eriobotrya japonica (loquat) Eucalyptus crebra (narrow-leaved iron- bark) Eucalyptus camaldulensis ( red gum ) Eucalyptus rudis (desert gum) Eucalyptus tereticornis (gray or slaty gum) Eucalyptus viminalis (manna gum) Eucalyptus sideroxylon var. rosea (red ironbark) Page 54 to the mild weather, shade sheds or shade trees are very important. Farrowings should be spaced to avoid pigs coming during the hottest part of the summer. The nominal housing requirements, abundance of leguminous feed, and favor- able markets should make pork produc- tion a profitable farming industry in the desert region, under normal conditions. ORNAMENTALS are needed for the comfort of both man and beast. Here are planting suggestions Fraxinus velutina (Arizona ash) Koelreuteria paniculata (golden rain tree) Melia azedarach var. umbraculiformis (Texas umbrella tree) Morus nigra (black mulberry) Olea europaea (common olive) Parkinsonia aculeata (Palo Verde) Phoenix dactylijera (date palm) Pinus halepensis (Aleppo pine) Pistacia chinensis (Chinese pistache) Platanus aceri folia (London plane) (sometimes called European syca- more) Populus fremontii (Common cotton- wood) Prosopis chilensis (mesquite) Prunus cerasifera var. pissardi (purple- leaved plum) Salix babylonica (Babylon weeping wil- low) Salix laevigata (red willow) Schinus molle (California pepper tree) Tamarix aphylla (athel tree) Thuja orientalis (Oriental arbor-vitae) Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese elm) Washingtonia filijera (Washington fan palm) (and other palms in variety) Zizyphus jujuba (Chinese jujube) Shrubs Acacia armata (kangaroo thorn) Acacia longi folia (Sydney golden wat- tle) Aloysia triphylla (lemon verbena) Desert Agriculture Arbutus unedo (strawberry tree) A triplex hymenelytra (desert holly) Berberis thunbergii (Japanese barberry) Buddleia sp. (butterfly bush) Cactus (cactus in variety) Callistemon citrinus (bottlebrush) Chaenomeles lagenaria (Japanese quince) Chilopsis linearis (desert willow) Cotoneaster spp. (for ornamental ber- ries) Cytisus canariensis (Canary Island broom) Dalea spinosa (smoke tree) Fremontia mexicana (Mexican fre- montia) Lager stroemia indica (crape myrtle) Lantana spp. (lantana) Lavatera assurgentiflora (tree mallow) Leptospermum laevigatum (Australian tea tree) Ligustrum ovali folium (privet) Myrtus communis (true myrtle) Nerium oleander (oleander) Pittosporum tobira (Japanese pitto- sporum) Plumbago capensis (cape plumbago) Prunus ilicifolia (hollyleaf cherry) Punica granatum (pomegranate) Pyracantha coccinea (fire thorn) Ricinus communis (castor bean) Rosa (rose) (red and pink shades best) Tamarix parvi flora (tamarisk, pink) Viburnum opulus (snowball) Yucca spp. (yucca in variety) Climbing Plants and Vines Antigonon leptopus (coral vine) Bougainvillea spp. (bougainvillea) Calonyction sp. (moonflower) Campsis grandiflora (Chinese trumpet- creeper) Cardiospermum halicacabum (balloon vine) Doxantha unguis-cati (cats-claw) Ficus pumila (climbing fig) Ipomoea purpurea (common morning glory, annual) Jasminum mesnyi (primrose jasmine) Lantana montevidensis (trailing lan- tana) Lathy rus latifolius (perennial sweet pea) Lathy rus odoratus (sweet pea, annual) Lonicera japonica var. halliana (Hall's honeysuckle) Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) Parthenocissus tricuspidata var. veitchii (Boston ivy) Phaseolus coccineus (scarlet runner, an- nual) Quamoclit pennata (cypress vine, an- nual) Rosa (climbing rose) Thunbergia (clock-vine) Tropaeolum peregrinum (canarybird vine) Vitis vinifera (grape, var. Thompson seedless) Vitis arizonica (canyon grape) Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria) Flowers for Beds or Masses Ageratum (floss flower) Antirrhinum (snapdragon) Arctotis stoechadifolia var. grandis (African blue daisy) Aster (aster) Calendula officinalis (pot marigold) Canna (canna) Celosia argentea (feather cockscomb) Chrysanthemum maximum ( Shasta daisy) Chrysanthemum morifolium (chrysan- themum) Delphinium a jacis (larkspur) Dianthus barbatus ( sweet willi am) Dianthus caryophyllus (carnation) Dimorphotheca sinuata (winter cape marigold) Eschscholtzia calif ornica (California poppy) Gaillardia (gaillardia) Godetia (godetia) Iberis amara (candytuft) Iris (iris) Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea) Linum (flax) Desert Agriculture Page 55 Lobular ia maritima (sweet alyssum) Mesembryanthemum spp. (ice plant) Myosotis (forget-me-not) Petunia (petunia) Phlox (phlox) Portulaca (portulaca) Reseda odorata (mignonette) Salvia (flowering sage) Tropaeolum ma jus (nasturtium) Verbena (verbena) Viola odorata (sweet violet) Viola tricolor var. hortensis (pansy) Zinnia (zinnia) Other Flowers for Open Planting Althaea rosea (hollyhock) Centaur ea cyanus (cornflower) Cheiranthus cheiri (wallflower) Cosmos (cosmos) Dahlia (dahlia) Datura (datura) Helianthus annuus (sunflower) Impatiens (balsam) Kochia scoparia (summer cypress) Lupinus (lupine) Matthiola (stocks) Annual and Perennial Flowers for Shade or Partial Shade Antirrhinum (snapdragon) Arctotis stoechadi folia var. grandis (African blue daisy) Begonia (begonia) Bellis perennis (English daisy) Clarkia (clarkia) Delphinium ajacis (larkspur) Godetia (godetia) Iberis amara (candytuft) Linum (flax) Nemesia (nemesia) Nemophila menziesii (baby blue-eyes) Nigella damascena (love-in-a-mist) Rudbeckia (coneflower) Viola odorata (sweet violet) Viola tricolor var. hortensis (pansy) ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The writers desire to express their appreciation for the assistance of a large num- ber of persons who supplied information or data for this publication. The following have been especially helpful: H. B. Richardson, Extension Viticulturist ; L. J. Hutchinson and W. B. Gardner, former Farm Advisors, Riverside County; J. E. Swift, Farm Advisor, Imperial County; R. S. Ayers, Farm Advisor, Imperial County; Fred Briggs, Deputy Agricultural Commissioner for the Palo Verde Valley, Riverside County; W. E. Hartzog, Superintendent, Water Distribution and Drainage Construc- tion, Imperial Irrigation District; Joe Snyder, former Manager, Coachella Valley County Water District; 0. E. Simmons, Superintendent of Operations, Palo Verde Irrigation District. Thanks are also due for photographs and other material furnished by the Cham- bers of Commerce of El Centro and Brawley. In order that the information in our publications may be more intelligible, it is sometimes necessary to use trade names of products and equipment rather than complicated descriptive or chemical identifications. In so doing, it is unavoidable in some cases that similar products which are on the market under other trade names may not be cited. No endorsement of named products is intended nor is criticism implied of similar products which are not mentioned. Cooperative Extension work in Agriculture and Home Economics, College of Agriculture, University of California, and United States Department of Agriculture cooperating. Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8, and June 30, 1914. J. Earl Coke, Director, California Agricultural Extension Service. 25m-7,'51(4110)W.P.