St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1878-05-04
Peas as a Fertilizer,

FedS as a TertlHZer.
A practical and judicieus writer in the
Country Gentleman has the following
The pea is moderated both as a food
for animals and as a fertilizer. For the
latter it is of special Importance, and is
superior to any other green crop, where
time is of consequence, which is the
case with poor land that needs to be
brought into condition for fall crop.
The pea, sown in the spring, may be
grown, turned down, and rotted 10 time
for this. 1t is hardy nature that will
bear the earliest sowing in the spring.
The best way Of making the crop is to
plow the seed under about three inches.
This may be done very early if the
ground admits of it, as it puts the seed
beyond the reach of the frost; providing
always there is drainage, and the ground
is mellow. This depth also protects
from drouth, which, should it occur
early, might otherwise seriously iniure
the crop. Besides, blowing gives in
creased culture to the land, if the soil is
Il stubble-feld, and is mellow, the first
blowing may be dispensed with, the seed
sown on the stubble and covered with
the plow. This, however, should only be
done where the ground throughout is in
iriable condition.
The amount of seed should be about
three bushels per acre. This will give
close set crop-which is wanted. After
tho seed is turned down, SOW about
bushel and half of good plaster per acre.
II the land is quite poor, manure should
be given it in addition to the plaster.
Never, in any case where the crop is to be
plowed down, omit the plaster. The
manure may be applied, if fine, be-
fore the seed is sown, or whether long
or short, after the seed is turned
down, the plaster following the manure.
AS to the kind of seed sown, it matters
not 80 much; the marrowfat is probably
az good as any 1t will thus be seen that
TIE expense of putting in crop is small.
There is, in the last case, only the seed
(about eighty cents per busheD, and
covering it lightly with the pillow; no
narrowing or any other work. IF the
ground is very poor, manure must be
added, but it need not be in large guam.
titles, as q light coat, with the plaster,
will be sure to produce large growth OF
haulm. But if it can be done as we'll as
not, it is better to pillow the land before
the seed is sown, on the principle that
working the soil improves it, and
generally this is necessary to put it in
order.
When the crop is in full blossom, or a
little later, turn it down. Do it rather
shallow, just SO as to cover well. This
will be early enough to give p chance for
rotting. When rotted, apply the cult
vator and mix thoroughly. This, it will
be found, makes one of the finest of seed
beds, and can be done in tipe to SOW
winter grain or grass seed. Always
cover the grass seed in the fall, as the
chances are for drouth at that time
at least let the roller be used. The
smoothing harrow, or brush drag, is
better. Some of the best of our old
farmers, instead of turning down
the pea haulm, let the crop ripen, and
then plow the land. They hold that in
this way they can raise better wheat
than after another crop of spring grain.
The atmosphere contributes largely
to the yield of the crop, and the
ground, By being shaded, is protected,
thus benefting the texture of the soil,
as well rs its fertility, which is farther
increased by the materials left by the
plant in decaying. Another method may
also be adopted-where the land is greatly
exhausted, yet mellow, and work is
crowding. The seed may be sown without
first blowing the ground, sowing at the
same time q few hundred pounds of
reliable superphosphate per acre, to be
followed with the cultivator, finishing
with plaster. The fertilizer is particularly
good for the wheat crop that follows. It
20 happens that the soil that is good for
wheat will also grow the pea we'll. Such
sell is also good for grass.
&
Agricultural Notes.
Hens like variety of food besides all
kinds OF grain, raw or boiled DIETER