1 82 AGRICULTURE 01'' MAINE. 



Fertilizing value of 3 1-3 tons mixed hay (less 

 25 per cent.) 



Nitrogen 87 lbs. @ i8c 15 66 



Potash 96 lbs. @ 4^c 4 3° 



Phosphoric acid 23 lbs. @ 5c 115 



(Fertilizing value of clover and roots turned under 

 not counted is about $20.00) 



$176 II 



The table you will notice covers a period of three years, from 

 the time the clover seed is sown until the hay crops of two 

 succeeding years have been removed. The field has been 

 debited and credited with the items which properly belong to 

 it. Time of man and team has been calculated at 35c. per hour 

 and of men alone 15c. per hour. I think you will see that the 

 figures show a sum decidedly in favor of growing clover if only 

 the financial side was considered. What, then, are the condi- 

 tions most favorable to the growth of this crop? 



First, a well drained soil. Naturally clover roots penetrate 

 to a depth of several feet, and when standing water is encoun- 

 tered by them they stop, "damp off," and go no further. A 

 good deal of the value in growing clover comes from the fact 

 that the roots do go down deeply in the soil and again bring up 

 plant food which has passed beyond the reach of shallow 

 rooted crops. In a poorly drained soil the clover will grow for 

 a time but it usually kills out before the second season — the 

 year when the largest crop should be expected. The water 

 table should be at least 3^ feet below the surface, and when 

 it is not tile drains should be put in before clover introduction 

 is attempted. 



Second. Some crops will grow fairly well in a soil quite 

 depleted of its available plant food but clover demands a soil in 

 a fairly good state of fertility before good crops can be 

 expected. It is sometimes necessary to grow and turn under, 

 rye, buckwheat, or some other crop in order to improve the 

 land, before clover can be grown. 



Third. Clover is a lime loving plant and does not grow 

 and thrive for any length of time in an "acid" or "sour soil." 

 When this condition exists an application of lime in the amount 

 of 1,500 lbs. to 2,000 lbs. to the acre should be applied. Soils, 



