294 FORAGE CROPS 



well worked into the surface soil, is desirable, as 

 the plant is a voracious feeder. For its best 

 growth it must have abundance of available nitro- 

 gen. Hence, if manures are not readily obtainable, 

 an application of fertilizers rich in nitrogen should 

 be applied. Experience has shown that a fertilizer 

 containing 



Nitrogen 5 per cent 



Phosphoric acid (available) 8 per cent 



Potash 9 per cent 



applied at the rate of 600 pounds per acre, will 

 supply the food in good proportions. Should the 

 season be unfavorable for rapid growth, an addi- 

 tional application of 100 pounds per acre of nitrate 

 of soda when plants have well started will stimu- 

 late growth and help to ensure a large crop. This 

 top-dressing of nitrate should be made when the 

 plants are dry. 



The rape may be seeded either in drills or 

 broadcast any time from early in May for pastur- 

 ing in July or August, or as late as July or 

 August for late summer and fall pasture and also 

 for cover-crops. When used for a cover-crop, the 

 broadcast method is probably the better. When a 

 large yield of succulent forage is desired, it is 

 better to plant in drills two to two and one -half 

 feet apart, as this permits early and thorough cul- 

 tivation. The quantity of seed to be used is to be 

 determined by the condition of soil and weather. 



