84 SECOND THOUSAND QUESTIONS IN AGRICULTURE 



moisture by checking evaporation to more than compensate for that 

 which the alfalfa uses in its growth. This is the latest problem in the 

 summer handling of California fruit lands which is now awaiting 

 demonstration. 



Dry Vegetation Makes Humus. 



Do the dry leaves of vetch that have fallen in the stubble contain the 

 same fertilising properties if plowed under as a like number of green 

 leaves? 



They contain the same fertilizing properties. Whether they 

 would contain as much (allowing for water in green tissue) might be 

 a question to be determined by analysis, but they are all right in 

 quality. This is practically shown by the fertilizing effect demon- 

 strated to belong to alfalfa hay and by the mold formation by dry 

 leaves of forest trees, etc. 



How to Find the Best Cover Crop. 



What would be the best cover crop to plant in a prune orchard 

 in Sutler County? Both rye and clover have been recommended. 



The best cover crop is the one you are sure to get most growth 

 of before the spring date at which you have to plow it under. Any 

 legume (clover, vetch, etc.) is better than rye, theoretically, because 

 of its greater content of nitrogen and its ability to get nitrogen from 

 the air, but you are not sure if a legume will make enough winter 

 growth until you try it. You are sure of rye. Therefore, sow rye 

 largely and several legumes (field peas, vetch, bur clover) in small 

 areas so you will know next year whether you can depend upon any 

 of them for the free winter growth which you need. If you prove 

 out such a one as satisfactory, sow that forever afterwards. 



