INTENSIVE GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT 



49 



ing the 1928 figure since the slightly higher average production in 1929 can- 

 not be attributed directly to the experiment) the second season shows a gain 

 of 2,861 pounds of milk. Favored by almost ideal haying weather during June, 

 the hay crop for the second season was 24^,722 pounds greater. It was felt 

 that the cows were given more supplementary feed than was necessary during 

 the first season; therefore this factor was watched more carefully the second 

 year. With the increased carrying capacity of the pastures, the reduction in 

 barn feeding amounted to 34 tons of silage, 8 tons of grain and 2.5 tons of 

 beet pulp. It is expected that the saivings will be even greater as familiarity 

 with the management of the intensive system increases, and the cumulative 

 effect of the treatment becomes more apparent. 



Table 4 — Season of 1929 Compared with the Season of 1928 



Increased Production: 



2,861 pounds more milk produCed @ $3.95 per cwt. 

 24,722 pounds more hay produced @ 18.00 per ton 



$113.04 

 222.55 



$335.59 



Decreased Supplementary Feed: 

 Roughage : 



67,488 pounds less silage fed @ $8.00 per ton 



4,996 pounds less beet pulp @ 55.00 per ton 



970 pounds less hay @ 18.00 per ton 



$269.95 



136.56 



8.73 



Concentrates: 



15,877 pounds less grain fed 



Total Value of Difference 



48.00 per ton 



378.91 



$794.15 

 $1129.74 



Effect of the System on Vlegetation 



Some idea of the improvement in the vegetation on the fertilized plots as 

 compared with the check can be obtained from the accompanying picture 

 (Fig. 6) showing representative sod samples from Plot III, which received 

 the complete fertilizer, and Plot IV, the check plot. At the start of the ex- 

 periment in 1928 the two fields were approximately the same, while the sods 

 shown above were taken in May 1929. A representative area on each plot 

 was selected and the sod to be taken was blocked out by cutting around it 

 with a garden spade. No attempt was made to cut under the sod and when it 

 had been freed on all four sides, it was lifted out taking with it such roots 

 and soQ as might be attached. Not only is the white Dutch clover very 

 much in evidence on the fertilized sod, but the height and density of the 

 vegetation on the sod from the fertilized plot is also quite marked as com- 

 pared with the check. The greater development of the root system on the 

 fertilized sod is evidenced by the difference in the thickness of the soil on the 

 two samples. Thus improved quality and increased quantity of feed along 

 with a stronger turf and a better developed root system may be expected 

 from the application of this system. 



