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The Rural Voice, 1978-12, Page 29with timothy it dries better and has superior keeping qualities as silage. Mixing these crops has a few drawbacks. For example, maintaining the two species in balance is very difficult because legumes are not as hardy as grasses. In addition. mixing the two crops complicates fertiliz- ation because timothy requires much nitrogen, while alfalfa does not require any. For an effective mixture, timothy and alfalfa must reach maturity at the same time for harvesting together. At present, it is still difficult to obtain varieties of these two species that mature at about the same rate. "But in spite of these problems, growing timothy and alfalfa in combination can be advantage ous," Mr. Belzile says. "If we can improve alfalfa's fixation of atmo- spheric nitrogen and develop competitive varieties that will survive for several years and mature at similar rates, this type of mixture is certain to be more effective." Storing gas? Try underground tanks There are certain losses as a result of storing gas above ground. Overheated tanks cause gas to oxidize and produce gum deposits if fuel is stored for long periods. Certain metals such as copper, used in fittings and lines of fueling systems also cause gum to develop if gas is stored longer than 30 days. The gum is then transferred to vehicles where it clogs carburators and makes engines difficult to start. The hotter the fuel tank gets. the more air it collects and releases. taking gas with it. As the temperature drops. warm. moist air returns to the tank, condensing inside the tank and collecting on the bottom. According to Hoard's Dairyman (May 1978), a 300 gallon tank will have a Toss of 3.2% based on weekly usage of 75 gallons. By placing the gas tank in a building or in shade, evaporation loss will be cut to 0.8 per cent. By adding a pressure cap to the tank. losses will be cut to 0.4 per cent. Painting a tank with highly reflective white paint will lower losses even further. Underground Tanks Gum and condensation buildup is nearly nonexistent in underground tanks. fuel temperature. is low and constant. If moisture does create a probleni. it can be removed with a hand pump. • Underground tanks should be installed in a well -drained area or anchored with concrete if set where there is high groundwater or flooding. Underground tanks should also be protected from corrosion by coating it with an asphalt tar or mastic. WE CAN MAKE YOU rows WORTH MORE SURIJE For your needs in MILKING EQUIPMEN WATER SOFTENERS BULK TANKS see KEN JACKSON R. R. 4 Seaforth, Ontario 527-1935 You are invited to come to the factory and see the quality for yourself. FACTORY OPEN FOR INSPECTION WEEKDAYS 8:30-11:30 a.m., 1-3 p.m. OR BY APPOINTMENT. • NORTHLANDER A complete line of 12 and 14 wides now available. Now also building C.'ommercial/Industrial Units. SeaM1t G'teethtge May good fortune guide you to hap- piness in 1979! An alternate form of farm housing, custom designed and built to your requirements. —Canada S �(ic — Manufactured in Canada by Custom Trailers Ltd., 165 Thames Rd. E. Exeter, Ontario [Box 190] [5191235-1530 Telex 064-5815 THE RURAL VOICE/DECEMBER 1978 PG. 29