592 Grasses and Leguminous Crops in New York 



that call particularly for potassium and lime and the elaboration 

 of starch, sugar, and fat constituents. These contribute to the 

 feeding value of the plant, which is largely dependent on those 

 elements of food. Phosphorous, which enters most largely into 

 the seed and is absorbed most actively towards maturity, especially 

 when the seed begins to form, is also required in the vital activity 

 of every living cell and is particularly effective in promoting the 

 large development of the root system. This element cannot bei over- 

 looked, therefore, if there is any possibility of a deficient supply 

 from the soil. 



In addition, enough alkaline material to keep the soil in the 

 neighborhood of a neutral reaction is also essential. The plant 

 will not tolerate a strongly acid condition although it will thrive 

 on a soil containing less lime than is essential for red clover. 



COMPOSITION OF TIMOTHY HAY 



As reported in the various analyses the composition of the 

 timothy plant differs as does the composition of every other plant, 

 according to the character of the soil, the conditions of growth, 

 and the stage of maturity. These variations should always be 

 kept in mind in examining figures on composition, since the varia- 

 tion may be as much as 50 per cent from the average for the same 

 stage of development. 



The following table gives the composition of the plant in per- 

 centage and in pounds on each acre for a yield of two tons of dried 

 hay carrying from 10 to 12 per cent of moisture: 



Table I 



COMPOSITION OF TIMOTHY HAY 



