COVER CROPS 791 



this has become very popular. It will grow on land where clover 

 fails, in a season too dry for clover. It grows at low temperatures 

 and covers the ground with a dense mat. If left too long in the 

 orchard in the spring, it will cause a serious loss of moisture. 



Peas and Beans 



Cow peas and soy beans are used extensively in the south, but 

 are not hardy arid not so satisfactory as other legumes in this 

 state. Canada field peas have been used to some extent and make 

 a satisfactory combination with other cover crops, but they can- 

 not compete with the more popular clovers and vetch. 



NON-LEGUMINOUS COVER CROPS 



The non-leguminous cover crops will, in general, make a more 

 satisfactory growth on poor soil than the legumes; hence they are 

 much used as a means of building up the poorer soils preliminary 

 to sowing the nitrogen gatherers. The following are commonly 

 grown in this state. 



The Grains 



Oats, barley, rye, wheat, and buckwheat are all used in vary- 

 ing degrees. Oats make a satisfactory early growth but are 

 killed by the first freeze, so they find their best places in com- 

 bination with other crops. Barley is also killed by the cold, but 

 it usually makes a good growth before cold weather, live is the 

 most satisfactory grain to use. It grows at a low temperature and 

 will make a good growth on soil too poor for clover. It should 

 be plowed early in the spring. Wheat is not so good as rye, 

 although it is less injurious if spring plowing is long delayed. 

 Buckwheat will grow on poorer soil and under more adverse con- 

 ditions than any of the above, but it affords very little cover for 

 the winter. It should be an important part of all mixtures where 

 the land is at all poor. 



The Crucifers 



Rape and turnips do not give sufficient cover when used alone, 

 but make a valuable addition to mixtures of other cover crops. 



