116 



At Aubiu-n ci-inisou elover is in full bloom and neady to- 

 be cut between April 15 and (^0. Observation has indica-- 

 ted that at Auburn the first few days in April constitute' 

 a suitable average date for plowing under crimson clover 

 that is to be followed by a cotton crop. At this date it 

 should be just begining to bloom and 12 to 15 inches high. 

 By plowing the entire growth under at this time, and 

 allowing the land to settle for about two weeks, before 

 planting cotton near the middle of April, the yield of 

 cotton has ranged as high as one and one-half bales per 

 acre on gray sandy upland, naturally poor. The cotton^ 

 crop following crimson clover receives its quota of com- 

 mercial fertilizers, which in this case should be especially 

 rich in phosphoric acid. 



By waiting until the clover should be in full bloom, say 

 \pril 15, doubtless the amount of vegetable matter and 

 nitrogen added to the soil would be greater than by plowing 

 it under about the first of April, 



Not all the land intended for cotton could have its pre- 

 paration delayed until this date, but crimson clover can be 

 followed by late cotton, by corn, sweet potatoes, sorghum, 

 etc. Where it becomes necessary to plow under crimson 

 clover before April 1, its fertilizing effect is greatly reduced. 



Tf crimson clover is grown chiefly for fertilizer, with 

 pasturage also as a consideration, the nearer it comes to 

 the blooming stage before being pastured the greater the 

 fertilizing efl'ect. 



The following tal)le gives the results of several exper- 

 iments at Auburn, showing the increase in the next crop 

 due to crimson clover or crimson clover stubble. 



Yield of sorghinit Ikii/ (jroimi after rriniso)i riorrr sfidthJe 



in 1001. 



Yie^d IncreaseJj 



Sorghum Hav Per Acre 

 Lbs. % 



Yield ciimson clover hay 2900 



Yielfl of sorghum hay after rye stubble ....■•.. 6460 

 Yield of sorghum hay after crimson clover stubble 12710 

 Increase due to clover stubble • • • • 6250 97 



