EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 44] 



I;i(e snimiK'i- iuul fall; it niiisl be able lo slaiuT tli(> trainpini;- ueccssaiy 

 al ]ticl<iii.u- (iiiio; i( imisl bo able (o willislaiid a possible dioiioht; in 

 most eases in Michigan, it must live over winlcr and grow vigorously 

 in the spring; it must be liardy and it should have the jiower to gather 

 nitrogen from the air and hold it in the roots. 



The Experiment Station has been carrying on tests in orchards and 

 vineyards in different parts of the state to determine the best plant 

 for a cover crop under Michigan conditions. At this time, Winter 

 Vetch (Vicia villosa) promises to be especially valuable for this purpose. 

 The plant is sometimes called Hairy or Sand Vetch. It was imported 

 from Europe many years ago and has long been used in the southern 

 states especially as a forage crop. An appreciation of its value for 

 orchard cover crop purposes is comparatively recent. 



When sown as late as the middle of August, it makes a fair growth 

 before winter; it will stand tramping well; it is not difficult to get 

 started; it is hardy and will withstand the possible drought of fall and 

 cold of winter; it grows vigorously, in the early spring; it adds a large 

 amount of nitrogen to the soil ; it will succeed on a variety of soils and 

 especially well on sandy soil. 



Michigan fruit growers who have not tried this plant for a cover 

 crop are urged to do so. Seed should be ordered at once as practically 

 all that is used in this country, is imported from Europe and the supply 

 is limited. 



For cover crop purposes in Michigan, the seed should be sown dur- 

 ing July or early August, usually at the time of the last harrowing. 



If the seed is sown broadcast about 25 to 30 pounds to the acre is 

 required and it should be harrowed in. Good results have been secured 

 b}'' drilling IS pounds of seed per acre. 



A quick growth or "catch crop" can be secured by sowing a bushel 

 of oats or rye with the vetch. Since the vetch does not make a large 

 growth in the fall, this combination is often desirable. 



There will not be any difficulty in turning under the vetch if the 

 orchards are plowed at the proper time in the spring. Where the 

 growth is extra large, a chain or rolling coulter may have to be used on 

 the plow. 



H. J. EUSTACE, 



Horticulturist. 



