RYE 51 



be broadcasted before seeding or drilled with the 

 seed. 



In order to secure the best yield, the early 

 growth should be stimulated, particularly with 

 nitrogenous food ; therefore an application of 100 

 to 150 pounds of nitrate of soda per acre, broad- 

 casted, usually about the first of April, is to be 

 recommended. Experiments at the New Jersey 

 Station show that an application of 150 pounds of 

 nitrate of soda per acre has caused an average 

 increase in yield of 37.6 per cent, besides giving 

 the further advantage of lengthening the time dur- 

 ing which the crop may be fed. This increase in 

 yield is a very important consideration, because 

 one of the strongest arguments in favor of soiling, 

 as distinguished from pasturing, is that smaller 

 areas are required to supply the needs of the ani- 

 mals; and there is thus great reason for proper 

 manuring or fertilizing, since the larger yields 

 result in decreasing the area required for produc- 

 ing the food for a definite number of animals. If 

 possible, this application of nitrate should be 

 made just preceding or after a rain, in order that 

 the salt may be immediately dissolved and carried 

 to the roots. In order to prevent injury, it should 

 be applied only when the foliage is dry. The pur- 

 pose is to get as much of the nitrogen into the 

 plant as possible; thus it should be applied as 

 soon as active growth begins, or when the plant 



