1889.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 33. 115 



III. Experiments with Fodder Crops for Green 



Fodder. 



[Field "C."] 



In a discourse on fodder supply for dairy cows, in the pre- 

 ceding annual report, pages 89, 90, the following statement 

 was made : — 



The practice of raising a greater variety of valuable crops for 

 green fodder deserves the serious consideration of farmers en- 

 gaged in the dairy business ; for it secures a liberal supply of 

 healthy, nutritious fodder, at a time when hay becomes scarce 

 and costly, and when it would be still a wasteful practice to feed 

 an imperfectly matured green fodder corn. The frequently 

 limited area of land fit for a remunerative production of grasses, 

 and the not less recognized exhausted condition of a large pro- 

 portion of natural pastures, make it but judicious to consider 

 seriously the means which promise not only to increase, but also 

 to cheapen, the products of the dairy. 



A liberal introduction of reputed forage crops into farm opera- 

 tions has everywhere, in various directions, promoted the success 

 of agricultural industry. The desirability of introducing a greater 

 variety of fodder plants into our farm management is generally 

 conceded. In choosing plants for that purpose, it seems advis- 

 able to select crops which would advantageously supplement our 

 leading fodder crop (aside from the products of pastures and 

 meadows) , — the fodder corn and corn stover. 



Taking this view of the question, the great and valuable family 

 of leguminous plants, as clovers, vetches, lucerne, serradella, peas, 

 beans, lupines, etc., is, in a particular degree, well qualified for 

 that purpose. They deserve also a decided recommendation in 

 the interest of a wider range, for the introduction of economical 

 systems of rotations, under various conditions of soil, and di^er- 

 ent requirements of markets. Most of these fodder plants have 

 an extensive root system, and, for this reason, largely draw their 

 plant food from the lower portion of the soil. The amount of 

 stubble and roots they leave behind after the crop has been 

 harvested is exceptionally large, and decidedly improves both the 

 physical and chemical condition of the soil. The lands are con- 

 sequently better fitted for the production of shallow-growing 

 crops, as grains, etc. Large productions of fodder crops assist in 

 the economical raising of general farm crops ; although the area 

 devoted to cultivation is reduced, the total yield of the land is 

 usually more satisfactory. 



