88 FORAGE CROPS 



Yield and value of crop 



The largest yield of palatable and digestible 

 food will be secured if Pearl millet is cut just as it 

 begins to head. This stage will be reached in 

 about three months from time of seeding; that is, 

 if planted early in June, it will be ready for the 

 beginning of harvest the latter part of August or 

 first of September. It should not be allowed to 

 head out fully before cutting, because the plants 

 rapidly increase in crude fiber as the heads begin 

 to form, and soon become hard and unpalatable. 

 The yields vary widely, ranging from eight to over 

 twenty tons per acre, the latter figure being reached 

 when all soil and seasonal conditions are favor- 

 able, and when the crop is allowed to mature. 



For the eastern and central states Pearl millet 

 does not possess advantages over the Barnyard 

 millet, except possibly in its yield, although the 

 larger yield requires a longer period of growth. 

 For a catch -crop it is not so desirable as the 

 Barnyard millet. If cut just before heading, it is 

 said that it will make a very rapid second growth, 

 which may be harvested in a month to six weeks. 

 The experience gained in the eastern and middle 

 states does not confirm the advantages of this 

 practice, for, while the plant makes a considerable 

 second growth, it is not large enough ordinarily 

 to pay for the use of the land. Farther south this 



