The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1915-04-08
OF Interest TO COVER
CROP DEMONSTRATORS
hzT. n. B. Stevens, The County Agent,
Gives Instructions as to The Best
NolECd Of Handling Cover Crops.

This is probably the first year you
have used a green cover crop to i'm
prove your soil. We therefore wish
to call your attention to few i'm
portant points regarding the best
method Of handling your land for
the succeeding crop.
The state at which a cover crop
should be turned under depends
upon the soil, weather conditions
and the crop that is to follow.
Where corn is to be planted on Grim
so1 clover land, the clover should
be turned under just when the
bloom begins to appear. The crop
at this stage will contain about the
maximum amount Of plant food.
BESIDES, it will decay much more
readily than if permitted to reach
full maturity. It may be necessary
to turn the clover under a little
earlier in order to get the corn plant
ed at the proper time. 1t is some
times advisable to turn under earlier
on account Of the soil being in good
condition, whereas to put it off for
few days or a week, dry weather
might prevent doing the work as it
should be. When the land is to be
planted to cotton it will be neces-
sary to turn the cover crop under
regardless Of the stage Of growth.
This will allow a few days for land
to settle and to be gotten in proper
condition FOR a good seed bed. The
pillow should be followed closely with
the harrow to pulverize the soil be-
fore the wind and sunshine dries it
out. Unless the soil is full Of mois-
ture, or there are prospects of an
early rain it is best to run a roller
). over the land to firm it, which will
aid in holding the moisture. The
roller should always be followed
, with the weeder or light smoothing
harrow to mulch the top soil.
When the cover crop consists Of
rye and other grain, it should be
turned under when about knee high.
Il the condition Of the soil prevents
blowing at this time, double disc the
crop couple Of times and this will
prevent the further drying out Of
the soil, and frequently the soil will
!. be mellow enough in a few days to
pillow even if it does not rain. This, of
course, is true when clover is to be
followed by corn also.
Never turn the clover or other
crop under without first thoroughly
, cutting up with a disc harrow, as
the material plcwed under in layer
seriously interferes with the capil-
larry action Of the moisture in the
soil. The effects Of turning under
in layer is what is sometimes called
: souring the soil with green manur-
ing crops. Double disc the cover
crop two or three times with a sharp
disc harrow before blowing; pillow
well by taking a narrow furrow and
! edging rather than inverting the
l furrow; then double disc the land
again rather deeply, and no injuri
+ Gus effect will result however large
, the growth may be. This is the i'm
portant point | wish to impress upon
upon you: The thorough incorpor
:. alton of the vegetable matter with
t the soil. Do not get in hurry anl
e neglect this important part Of the
work if you expect good results
from your cover crop. Use the dis,
and smoothing harrow until 70,
have the soil we'll pulyerized and tht
vegetable matter mixed through
e out the soil.
n Il you are in doubt about the fer
$ tllizer ingredients to use on sol
thus prepared, communicate Wit
me. Very truly yours,
: n. B. STEVENS,
: County Agent.