THE MONTHLY BULLETIN. 403 



occupy any large portion of the land). Sow the seed broadcast and 

 harrow it into the soil. Follow sowing" with a thorough irrigation, for 

 since the seed can only be sown at very shallow depths, the soil must 

 be wet practically to the surface if a good germination is to follow. 

 Otherwise, the plants will not appear until the fall rains wet the 

 surface. 



Success with any clover demands better moisture conditions during 

 the early stages of growth than are required by such plants as the 

 vetches or peas having larger seeds, which allow of a deeper planting 

 and furnish the tiny seedlings more nutriment from the food stored 

 in the seed. 



We believe, however, that where extra water is available, the bene- 

 fits derived from the deeper rooting system and more lasting nature 

 of the organic material will amply repay one for the slightly greater 

 expense incurred in tlie handling of this crop. 



Summary. 



From the results of this experiment, Ave would give as general rules 

 for the handling of covercrops, the following : 



Plant that variety of legume which in your community gives the 

 largest tonnage of green tops per acre. 



If possible sow seed during the month of September and plow under 

 deepl}' not later than ]\Iarch. 



Determine what is the average seedage per acre in your section and 

 add fifty per cent to get the amount of seed you shall sow. ]\Iore poor 

 results with covercrops have been due to insufficient seed than to almost 

 any other one cause. The more seed sown to the acre, the more of the 

 legume you will have and the less weeds, Avhich add no nitrogen to the 

 soil. 



Sow preferably with drill on level land where the permanent fur- 

 rows may be made very shallow; otherwise, broadcast the seed and 

 cultivate into the soil. 



In the case of drilling the seed, sow after a thorough irrigation. 

 When sown broadcast, sow just preceding your September irrigation. 



Never sow a covercrop in an orchard when the water is only suffi- 

 cient for the trees. 



In sections where the aphis attack the vetches and peas, use one of 

 the clovers or fenugreek. 



Do not over-irrigate your covercrop. as the excess water in the soil 

 will stimulate a late growth of the trees, making them less resistant to 

 cold. 



Plow the green crop under early and plow deeply. 



