506 IOWA DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE 



ALSIKE CLOVEE. 



Alsike is one of the finer leafy clovers that makes an excellent quality 

 of feed. It is adapted primarily to low wet land, which is insufficiently 

 drained, although it makes a good growth on any average soil. Under low- 

 land conditions alsike grows most luxuriantly and is a very satisfactory 

 legume. It is widely used in this state although seldom grown alone for 

 soiling purposes because the yield may be somewhat below that of red 

 clover and the plant tends to lodge. Alsike soiling is quite palatable, it 

 may be fed in large quantities and it exerts a favorable influence on the 

 milk yield, while the plant is hardy throughout the state. 



SWEET CLOVER. 



The relative value of this plant for soiling is in dispute, many reporting 

 that it was not entirely satisfactory for soiling purposes, while others have 

 lavished praise on it. The stems rapidly become woody and the feeding 

 period is relatively short. Yields secured may vary from 8 to 15 tons but 

 as a soiling crop it does not have a large place in this section, unless the 

 cattle become accustomed to and eat it with apparent relish. 



Sweet clover was used as soilage at this station in but one season with 

 fairly satisfactory result. It was sown with oats in the spring of the previous 

 year at the rate of 15 pounds per acre along with 1 14 to 2 bushels of oats. 

 The first cutting was obtained from June 7 to 17 and the second from July 

 24 to 27. The yields were 5 tons per acre for the first cutting and 2 tons 

 for the second. The costs were respectively $2.80 and $3.60 per ton for the 

 first and second cuttings laid down in the barn. The amounts eaten by the 

 cows were practically the same as of alfalfa; 35 pounds per head daily for 

 the first cutting and 39 pounds for the second. In feeding value it was 

 similar to alfalfa. At first it was unpalatable though not so much so as 

 might have been expected. 



CANADIAN FIELD PEAS. 



This annual legume is not valuable as a single crop because the yield 

 is usually less than 7 tons per acre. The stem are of light and slender 

 growth and do not support the plant. It is hardy, however, under Iowa 

 conditions, and is often used in mixtures with good results, as the green 

 pea forage is very palatable and is consumed in large quantities. 



COWPEAS. 



Cowpeas are better suited to the more southern states than to Iowa. 

 They are matured successfully in Iowa only when the small early va- 

 rieties are sown and then the yield is small. The crop furnishes palatable 

 forage during the latter part of the season. 



SOYBEANS. 



This crop is well adapted to Iowa conditions. In feeding value soybean 

 forage compares favorably with alfalfa and the plant is more resistant to 

 heat and drouth. Where clover kills out, soybeans may be used as a catch 

 crop, although where the ground is foul, cultivation is necessary to keep 

 down the weeds. The crop, which is becoming more widely used in this 

 state, matures for soiling during the latter part of the summer and will 

 ordinarily yield from 3 to 10 tons of green feed. For best quality of soiling, 

 the seeding should be heavy, l^^ bushels being recommended. 



