368 



STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



4. As the name implies, a cover crop makes a cover on the land, which 

 is often extremely valuable in lessening the injury that may result from 

 the low temperature of the winter. 



This cover of vegetable growth supplemented by the leaves and the 

 snow it holds, will be very valuable in preventing the deep and severe 

 freezing of the soil and tree roots. In winters of exceptionally low tem- 

 perature, this deep and alternate freezing undoubtedly destroys many 

 trees. 



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Soil washing where there Is no cover crop. A cover of winter vetch in bacli ground has prevented 



washing. 



Possibly one of the greatest benefits that results from tlio utilization 

 of a cover crop in Michigan orchards and vineyards is that they add 

 humus and plant food to the soil. 



When a plant is plowed under or worked into the soil with tlie disc 

 or harrow, it decays and the i)lant food elcnu'nts that it contains which 

 have been taken from the soil in the unavailable state are, by the pro- 

 cess of decay, liberated and become available. Since the cover crop plant 

 takes up and saves plant food during the fall and early spring, when 

 the tree does not require it, it is really a fertilizer nianufarturor. The 



