PEA AND OAT HAY FOR NORTHERN OHIO 1 

 A Valuable Combination When Clover Fails 



L. E. THATCHER 



In the spring the farmer sometimes finds that he will be con- 

 fronted with a shortage of hay due to the failure of the regular hay 

 crops to survive the winter or, perhaps, because his livestock has 

 increased beyond the expected amount. Whatever its cause, one 

 of the most satisfactory ways of meeting the shortage is by grow- 

 ing a crop of pea and oa't hay. Indeed, it is as ,an emergency crop 

 that pea and oat hay is most frequently grown in this country, 

 although it may be stated that many farmers who have had ex- 

 perience with this cropare so well pleased that they make a regular 

 practice of growing it. This valuable forage crop should be better 

 known on the farms o^f Ohio which are adapted to its production. 



This crop consist^ of field peas and oats, grown in a mixture 

 and cut at the proper {'time for making in,to hay. These two crops 

 are admirably adaptejl for growing together in this way. They 

 both have the same cljmatic and seasonal requirements and mature 

 in about the same nunjiber of days. Th0 oats support the pea vines 

 thus facilitating harvesting and also rendering the crop more easily 

 cured for hay. \ 



The field pea, commonly called the Canada field pea, is adapted 

 to cultivation in the northern tier of/ states from New England to 

 Washington. In Canajda it forms one of the chief farm crops grown 

 for feed and has contributed very largely to the success of animal 

 production in that country. Generally speaking, the northern half 

 of Ohio is adapted to the production of this crop and it is for this 

 part of the state that is recommenced. 



Like most legumes; it mak^s a most vigorous growth in a 

 soil well supplied with calcium. / If this element is deficient, as it 

 is likely to be in the eastern naif of the state, it is advisable to 

 apply from 1 to l 1 /^ tons of, ground limestone per acre if maximum 

 results are expected. \ / 



Inoculation. Like other legumes, the field pea has the property 

 of trapping nitrogen from me air; therefore, the soil should be 

 inoculated with the proper /bacteria for producing the nodules on 

 the roots if the full benefit: of 'this crop is realized. Probably the 

 most available source of inoculating material is the soil from an old 

 garden that has grown several crops of garden peas. Broadcasting 



lr Fhe field pea which is referred to here should not be confused with the cowpea. The 

 cowpea is in fact a bean and adapted only to the more southern climes. 



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