140 FORAGE CROPS 



be secured, great care should be observed in the 

 conserving of the moisture, and therefore the 

 cultivation should begin about as soon as the corn 

 is planted. Shortly after planting, the surface 

 should be stirred frequently, preferably with a light 

 harrow or weeder, until the corn is well started, 

 when shallow tilling should begin and be continued 

 as frequently as possible during the early period 

 of growth. This frequent tilling will prevent the 

 undue escape of moisture into the atmosphere, as 

 well as assist in the decomposition and nitrifica- 

 tion of the organic matter in the soil and manure. 

 After the first crop is removed, a second one may 

 be immediately planted, preferably without plowing 

 but with a deep cultivation with a cutaway har- 

 row. The corn stubs will interfere to some extent, 

 but not seriously. The reasons for cultivating, 

 rather than plowing, when the first crop is removed 

 (say the middle or latter part of July), are, first, 

 that quite as good tilth can be secured, and second, 

 if the land is plowed at this season, it is frequently 

 impossible to get the surface layers so thoroughly 

 compacted and connected with the lower one as to 

 permit free upward movement of water from the 

 lower parts of the soil. It is essential, particularly 

 iu this second crop, that the germination should 

 be quick and as complete as possible, and the 

 early growth very rapid. The manures and ferti- 

 lizers should be applied in the same way as for the 



