56 FORAGE CROPS 



growth for soiling it is very well balanced in its 

 proportions of nutrients. 



WHEAT AS A FORAGE CROP 



Wheat can be successfully used for forage pur- 

 poses. It will be ready for use usually as soon as 

 the rye has reached the unpalatable stage. Wheat 

 is not so economical as rye in many respects ; the 

 seed is more expensive, it is less hardy and thus 

 liable to suffer greater injury from unfavorable 

 weather conditions, and does not start so rapidly 

 in spring. It also requires a richer soil for its best 

 growth. As in the case of rye, when it is designed 

 as a forage crop, either for soiling or for pasture, 

 the crop should be seeded a little earlier than the 

 usual time of seeding for grain, that is, not later 

 than September 1 in the middle states. 



Any variety that is well adapted for grain to 

 the soil and climate of the given locality will be 

 suitable for forage, although the kinds that make 

 large straw, — and preferably beardless varieties, 

 — are to be recommended. 



Wheat also makes excellent pasture, and if 

 managed carefully a large quantity of food may be 

 obtained. Care should be used to prevent too 

 close early cropping. 



Wheat also makes a highly nutritious and 

 palatable hay if cut when just in full head, and 



