51 



pounds to the acre. An application of 150 pounds of high grade 

 sulfate of potash, 500 pounds of phosphatic slag,' and 50 to 100 

 pounds of nitrate of soda to the acre will prove decidedly beneficial.' 

 Two and perhaps three cuttings should be expected the next season, 

 with a total yield of three or more tons to the acre. Three tons 

 would furnish some 3000 pounds of digestible matter, which would 

 include nearly 500 pounds of digestible protein. The clover can be 

 used as a soiling crop or hayed. The fertilizer and labor cost of 

 clover production is comparatively low, it improves the mechanical 

 condition of the soil, leaves the soil richer in nitrogen, is a large 

 producer of protein, and is well adapted to climatic conditions ordi- 

 narily prevailing in Massachusetts. It is the most satisfactory crop 

 for the production of home grown protein.^ 



Soy beans, of which Brooks' medium green is the most suitable 

 variety, is worthy of consideration as a source of home grown pro- 

 tein. Sixteen quarts of seed are required to the acre, which may be 

 sown in drills 2V2 feet apart with an Eclipse or similar corn planter. 

 Time of seeding, method of fertilizing^ and cultivation are much the 

 same as for corn. 



The yield of green fodder will be from 8 to 10 tons to the acre, 

 and cutting may begin August 20th, if used for soiling. The crop 

 may also be harvested at the same time as corn and ensiled (one- 

 third beans and two-thirds corn), which is probably the best way of 

 utilizing the plant. An acre of soy beans will furnish about 3,000 

 pounds of digestible dry matter including 630 pounds of digestible 

 protein, against 4000 pounds of digestible dry matter including 275 

 pounds of total digestible protein from an acre of corn. While the 

 corn and bean mixture makes a satisfactory feed, it is believed that the 

 value of the extra protein from the bean is more than offset by the 

 increased yield of total digestible matter from the corn and by the 

 increased cost of caring for and harvesting the crop of beans. 



1. Or 300 pounds of acid phosphate if basic slag is not obtainable. 



2. The amount of plant food needed will depend upon the condition of the land and its 

 previous treatment. If previously dressed with considerable quantities of barnyard 

 manure, the nitrate of soda may be omitted. 



3. See the excellent treatise on clover in Massacktisetts Crop Report for July, 1906, by 

 W. P. Brooks, published by State Board of Agriculture, Boston. 



4. As a fertilizer for this crop to be sown broadcast in the spring, the following is 

 recommended per acre: 50 lbs. nitrate of soda, 400 lbs. dry ground fish, 300 lbs. acid phos- 

 phate and 200 lbs. high grade sulfate of potash. 



