CROPS AND SOIL IMPROVEMENT 



partly on edge, and permitting the harrow to 

 mix part of the turf and the manure with the re- 

 mainder of the soil, the best conditions respecting 

 moisture are secured. 



Manure on Grass. When the crop-rota- 

 tion embraces two or more years of grass, or one 

 of clover followed by only one of grass, it is 

 better practice to use the manure to thicken the 

 sod. The object in view is the largest possible 

 amount of crops, and the maximum amount of 

 organic matter for the soil. Grass is a heavy 

 feeder, like corn, and makes good use of nitrogen. 

 Its roots fill the soil so that no loss attends the 

 use of manure. When the supply is given the 

 grass, after the harvest of the second crop of 

 clover and during the winter, the timothy can 

 make a rank growth. The part of the plant 

 above ground has corresponding development be- 

 low ground. Not only does a large increase in the 

 hay crop result, but the heavy mass of grass roots, 

 the aftermath, and the remains of the manure 

 provide a great amount of fertility for the corn 

 which follows. The increase in hay permits a 

 corresponding increase in the manure supply the 

 next year, if it is fed, and if it is sold on account of 

 a market price greater than its value for feed and 



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