278 Fertilizers 



Rape. (See Fig. 25, Plate XIII.) 



Although rape does well in soils of medium fertility, 

 the best results are secured when they are naturally 

 rich, or have been well fertilized. When grown for 

 forage, an application of barnyard manure at the rate of 

 8 tons to the acre, well worked into the surface soil, is 

 desirable, because the plant is a voracious feeder. For 

 its best growth it must have abundance of available 

 nitrogen. Hence, if manures are not readily obtainable, 

 an application of fertilizers rich in nitrogen should be 

 applied. Experience has shown that a fertilizer con- 

 taining 



Nitrogen . 5% 



Phosphoric acid (available) 8% 



Potash 9% 



applied at the rate of 600 pounds to the acre, will supply 

 the food in good proportions. Should the season be 

 unfavorable for rapid growth, an additional application 

 of 100 pounds to the acre of nitrate of soda when plants 

 have well started will stimulate growth and help to insure 

 a large crop. This top-dressing of nitrate of soda should 

 be made when the plants are dry. 1 



Cabbage. 



Among those forage crops grown for late use, there is 

 none capable of producing the large tonnage which may 

 be secured from cabbage when it is efficiently attended. 

 It has not been grown to any extent in this country for 

 feeding live-stock, but a knowledge of its value for this 

 purpose is undoubtedly extending. It is a voracious 



1 Voorhees, "Forage Crops.'! 



