The Somerset reporter., 1899-03-16
FORAGE CROPS

InteEcsting Experiments Reported
by the New Jersey station.
Oats and peas are one of the most use
full forage corps for early summer feed
ing They do not grow well after the
hot, dry weather of summer; hence they
should be seeded as early as possible in
spring i'll order that the crop, which re-
auires about two months for growth,
may be harvested before the hot season.
The crop is better adapted for mellow,
loamy soils than for light, sandy soils,
though good crops may be produced on
the latter if seeded early. On good soils
two bushels each of peas and oats per
acre are better than a smaller quantity
The peas may be sown Immediately
after blowing, while the land is still
rough, and then narrowed or plowed
shallow to insure good depth of seed.
The land should then be thoroughly
prepared for the oats, which may be
sown and covered by the ordinary meth
DDS.
The crop will be ready to feed about
two months after seeding, provided the
season is favorable; hence its feeding
may follow Immediately after crimson
clover, or early in June. Like the clio
vers, it may be used to advantage with
out the addition of feeds The yields
from this crop average from seven to
eight tons per acre, though varying &C
cording to tho character of the season.
Dry weather in May, as during the past
season, seriously interferes with its
growth. a study of the chief varieties
of field peas in 1897 indicated that the
Prussian Blue, the Mummy, the Green
Field and the Green Scotch were all de-
sirahe varieties for conditions in cen
trail New jersey, though the yields OBJ
tanned were not large, as they were not
heavily seeded, in order to give better
opportunity to study their manner of
growth. These various varieties are,
however, sold under tho general name
of Canada field pea" and can be Oh
tanned from most dealers. Other varie
ties, rs the Black Eyed Marrowfat Can
ada Beauty, Golden Vine and White
Eyed Marrowfat were also grown.
These did not show so large yield,
though they matured earlier than the
others The composition of the different
varieties does not vary widely. Some
general suggestions made by the station
are:
First. The forage crops that have
al ODD ff for n n M
soiling systems are rye, crimson clover,
red clover oats and peas, corn, COW
peas, soy beans, Japanese millcts and
barley and peas.
Second OF these crops rye, corn,
crimson clover, oats and peas and the
millets furnish food more economically
than the Others
Third. In the forage rotation system
now in use one acre produced in one
year sufficient rouRhage to provide the
necessary amount for an equivalent of
3D. COWS for six months.
Fourth. An intensive system of soil
ing crops is exhaustive of the fertility
elements. The practice should be ac-
companed by liberal annual applica-
ton of manures and fertilizers.
Fifth Complete soiling Is entirely
practicahIe--thati is, green forage crops
may serve as the sole food of dai"y
herd without injury to the amin, Is
and at considerable saving i'll the cost
of the milk
Sixth. Where complete soiling is
not practical le it will pay to grow for
age crops to supplement pasturase dur
ing drought or shortage due to other
causes and thus provide a sufficient and
continuous supply of food from the farm