262 AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY 



ability of the nutrients. The influence which the com- 

 bination of fodders has upon digestibility and food value 

 is discussed in Chapter XXXV. 



365. Improving the Feeding Value of Forage Crops. 



The main factors, as seed, fertility of soil, stage of 

 maturity, and care which the fodder receives, are all 

 under the control of the farmer, climate being the only 

 factor that is not directly controllable. Lack of moisture 

 in dry seasons can, however, in part, be overcome by 

 shallow cultivation. By careful selection of seed, con- 

 serving the fertility of the soil, and suitable methods of 

 cultivation and storage, it is possible not only to increase 

 the yield but also to change the chemical composition and 

 feeding value of forage crops. As yet, experiments have 

 not demonstrated the extent to which all crops are sus- 

 ceptible to these influences. 



