192 AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. [Jan. 



constituents to their non-nitrogenous organic food constitu- 

 ents (nutritive ratio), in the following order : — 



1. Leg^uminous plants, clovers, vetches, etc., . . 1 : 2.2 to 1 



2. Grasses, 1 : o to 1 



3. Green corn, roots and tubers, . . . . 1 : G.O to 1 



45 



8.0 



15.0 



A liberal introduction of reputed forage crops into farm 

 operations 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 advisable 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, pease, 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 economical systems of rotations, under various con- 

 ditions of soil and different 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 stul)ble and roots they 

 leave behind after the crop has been harvested is exception- 

 ally large, and decidedly improves both the physical and 

 chemical condition of the soil. The lands are consequently 

 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. 



