374 



STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



RYE. NON-NITROGEN GATHERER. 



Rye will probably succeed better under more unfavorable cultural con- 

 ditions than any other plant used for cover crop purjwses. It does well 

 ujwn })oor soils that are deficient in humus and ujion new and ''rough" 

 or poorly j)re])ared soils. It is useful upon very dry soils as well as on 

 those abundantly supplied with moisture. It will nuike a fair growth 

 during the fall and will start to grow early in the spring, so by the time 

 the plowing or harrowing slmuld be done, there is a good, heavy gi-oAvth 

 to turn under. The large size of the plant docs not interfere with plow- 

 ing nor is it diflicult to work it into the soil by discing. 



Plowing or discing should be done by the time the head begins to form, 

 if delayed after this time, the i)lant draws heavily upon the soil mois- 

 ture and it becomes so hard and touuh that it does not decav for a long 

 time. 



One bushel of seed, or 48 pounds per acre, will give a good stand. 



\ 



Ml 



Rye cover crop in vineyard, Van Buren Co. 

 OATS OR BARLEY. NON-NITROGEN GATHERERS. 



Oats are frequently used alone for a catch crop. The seed is not ex- 

 I)ensive, easily obtained and is much better than nothing or weeds. They 

 can be sown late and will make a good cover and on this account, some- 

 times have to be resorted to in a very dry or otherwise unfavorable sum- 

 mer, lint a combination of oats and winter vetch or oats and ]>oas is 

 much better. 



A bushel of oats jier acre whether alone or in combination will make 

 a good thick stand. 



Ilai'ley is frequently used for a catch crop and makes a little heavier 

 growth than oats. Tlie seed is not as eiisily obtained which is ])robably 

 one reason why it is not used more. The same amount per acre is used. 



OATS AND PEAS. 



A cond)ination of oats and Canada ]>eas make a very desirable catch 



rrnp nnd if is used quite largely in oreli;n-ds that are disced or harrowed 



