The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1894-08-08

OF Valuable Recipes.
We have numerous inquiries about the
value of crimson clover as a soiling crop.
This clover has been tried at some of the
western experiment stations. and, while
the results we're not altogether salts
factory, yet we would advise a trial on
small scale by all farmers. There is
difference in hardness of the different
varieties. and in localities where it can
be grown there is no doubt as to its
value. The New Jersey experiment sta
ton has recently issued a bulletin on the
subject, of which the following is a sum-
mary:
Its best use is probably derived when
seeded in the summer or fall for an early
spring crop, either for pasture forage or
green manure. The time of seeding may
extend from July Is to Sept. Is depending
upon the character of the season and the
seed bed: good results have been secured
when seeded later than Sept. 10.
The value Of spring seeding for sum-
mer ~Sop. either upon raw ground Of with
oats, mas not been thoroughly tested in
the state; experiments are now in prog
ress here TO study this point.
1t is the experience Of growers that the
seed takes better when Lightly covered.
a
good seed are reported as due chiefly to
hot, dry weather after the sprouting OF
the seed. and to heavy rains Immediately
after seeding.
Crimson clover may be seeded in or
chards. berry patches corn. tomatoes,
etc, and upon raw ground following after
potatoes, tomatoes. melons, or other crops
harvested before September. 1t is not
adapted for seeding with wheat or rye.
The amount of seed may range within
Il
acre: larger amounts are usually re-
ouired wnen sown with other crops, and
smaller amounts when sown upon raw
ground or - orchards. Twelve pounds
Der acre viii doubtless be found to be
sufficient
No failures TO stand the winter have
been reported when good. American
grown seed was used. II is more hardy
than red clover Foreign seed has not
proved satisfactory. Ii contains as i'm
purities weed seed and less hardy varie-
ties Of this Clover The seed is not as
Yet produced in any considerable guam
thy in this state. That used in our ex-
periments was raised i'm Delaware. where
the business of seed-groWing is assuming
considerable proportions and is reported
l. be profitable
This crop. i'm common with all other
farm products, requires good soils for its
best development. though it is well adapt
ed for light lands. catching readily AMI
growing we'll W1e~s red clover VIII not
thrive. and also making use of the min
er2t cons utuents n0t available 10 the
cereals.
The average yield secured from a full
stand May -. and representing soils Of a
diiie. ent character was l5-45 tons of
green clover per acre. or equivalent to
TWEEN ty-seven tons of dry hay. il is be
Heved that tais fairly represents the
wed thai may b. secured under favor
abe conditions. though very much larger
O.
Regarded as green manure. particu-
larry as furnishing nitrogen derived
from the air this crop possesses many
advantages. que to its time of growth
A crop six inches high April q showed
an accumulation of nitrogen in the
whole plant at the rate of 104 pounds
per acre. an amount equivalent to that
contained in ten tons Of city manure,
or Gas pounds Of nitrate of soda, costing
S15
The crop secured at this date may be
utilized for early vegetables, potatoes,
melons, etc. CROPS usually benefited by
liberal applications of heterogeneous ma
nUre.
May y crop averaging thirteen
inches high, which in many sections can
be utilized manure for late potatoes.
corn and orchards contained nitrogen
at the rate Of los pounds per acre. worth
$3.50. The plant at maturity showed nj
trOgen at the rate of 200 pounds per acre.
or an amount equivalent to that con-
tanned in twenty-four tons of city
manure, which would cost in that form
$50
Good crops of this clover can be OBJ
tanned on naturally poor or wornout
lands when fertiiiZed with the mineral
constituents only. These soils are rapid
" improved by the addition Of the nitro
gen and accompanying organic matter
contained i'm the crop
This plant provides good pasture be-
n
early pasture is not only valuable for the
food contained in it. but also because ii
helps TO insure proper feeding and to
prevent too early use Of other and later
pastures. 1t was pastured this year in
central New Jersey as early as April 10.
The crop, when six inches high, con-
tanned over 1900 pounds Of digestible
food per acre, sufficient to properly
noUrish twelve cows for one week.
The fertilizing value per acre Of the
residue in the roots is equivalent in
nitrogen and organic matter to that con-
tanned in three tons of city manure.
Crimson clover, in average seasons,
provides a sOiling crop excellent both
In yield and quality Of product. It is
satisfactory for the purpose for about
twenty days, and at a time when other
forage crops are not abundant
On the basis of the yield of digestible
FOOD secured in the experiments. 934
pounds per acre-it will provide suf-
fcient for ten cows in full flow Of milk
lot twenty Gays, worth at present prices
of feed at least $25 per acre
The composition and digestibility of
this plant show 1t to be superior to red
clover, and when seasons are favorable
for early haymaking the product thus
secured is not excelled by any Of our
farm crops as feed for all purposes.
The advantages derived from the crop
when used solely as a green manure
are but slightly reduced when the crop
Is used for food. provided the resulting
manure Is properly saved and applied
Prairie Farmer.
RUSSIAN THISTLE AN ANNUAL.