252 SUCCESSFUL FARMING 



the late winter or early spring in the growing wheat. Of the spring-seeded 

 grains, barley and oats are the best nurse crops for clover. These should 

 not be seeded very thick, otherwise the clover may be smothered. The 

 nurse crop should be cut sufficiently high to leave a stubble that will protect 

 the young clover as much as possible. 



Fertilizers for Clover. — As a rule, no fertilizers or manures are applied 

 directly for the benefit of the clover. The residual effect of that applied 

 to the crop preceding the clover is generally sufficient. This is especially 

 true when seeded with winter wheat. On soils of low fertility, especially 

 when there is little organic matter present, top dressing with manure pre- 

 vious to the time of seeding is very beneficial to the clover. No nitrogen 

 is needed when commercial fertilizer is used. Moderate amounts of phos- 

 phorus and potash applied broadcast will meet the needs. 



After-Treatment of Clover. — Clover seeded with a grain crop seldom 

 requires any special treatment during the first year. Under favorable 

 conditions it may make sufficient growth after the harvest of the grain to 

 produce a cutting of hay. This is thought by some to be injurious to the 

 following year's clover crop. It is, therefore, advised to clip the clover 

 before it comes extensively into bloom, and allow the clipping to lie on the 

 field. If so abundant as to smother the plants, it may be removed. 

 Clipping is also advisable to prevent the ripening of the seeds of obnoxious 

 weeds and grasses that are always present to some extent. The clipping 

 should be so timed as to prevent the seeding of the largest possible number 

 of such plants. If too early, seeds may develop after the clipping, and if 

 too late some of the seeds may have already matured. The ordinary 

 mowing machine with the bar set rather high is well suited for this purpose. 



Light pasturing may be practiced instead of clipping. Pasturing with 

 sheep is best, since sheep are fond of many of the weeds and grasses, and 

 will eat the seeds in great abundance. 



Since red clover lives only two years, the first crop during the second 

 year is generally cut for hay and the aftermath is either used for a seed crop, 

 is pastured or plowed under for the benefit of the soil. If the second crop 

 is to be used for seed it is wise to cut the first crop early. This encourages 

 a better development of the second crop and increases seed production. 

 The first crop should be cut just as it is coming into bloom. If the clover 

 is to remain for the third year, seed must be allowed to mature during the 

 late summer of the second season, with a view of having the clover re-seed 

 itself naturally. This is not a very satisfactory method, however, because 

 the seed heads generally fall to the ground and give rise to an uneven distri- 

 bution of the seed. This, however, may be obviated by thoroughly 

 harrowing the field after the seed heads are mostly on the ground. The 

 harrowing breaks up the heads and distributes the seed. It should be so 

 timed as to avoid destruction of clover plants when just starting. 



Harvesting Clover. — Red clover, harvested for hay, should be cut 

 when one-third of the blossoms have begun to turn brown. At this time 



