Experiments with Roots and Forage Crops 



BY FRANK WM. RANE 



In winter cattle feeding, for tlie production of mill^, many of 

 our leading dairymen seem to regard, among others, a daily 

 ration of green or succulent food as necessary. The source of 

 this food at present in this state is usually the silo or some 

 root crop, mainly the former, although some continue to grow 

 roots. 



During the past three years, various forage plants and root 

 crops have been grown at the Station, and will be treated under 

 these general headings. 



I.— FORAGE CROPS 



The changed conditions brought about through the use of 

 the silo, together wuth an increasing use of soiling crops, have 

 developed an interest in knowing the relative value of crops 

 used for these purposes. Not only are some of these crops 

 valuable for forage, but, as in the case of most of the legumes, 

 they are likewise valuable for green manuring. Their real value 

 must be solved by the individual. Conditions and kinds of 

 soils, the domestic animals kept, together with conveniences and 

 facilities for handling the crop, go a good way toward solving 

 the problem. The crops considered under this head are classi- 

 fied under the following divisions: 



A. — Gramineous forage plants. 

 B. — Leguminous forage plants. 

 C. — Miscellaneous forage plants. 



