258 FIELD CROP PRODUCTION 



the West. Red clover will not grow in wet soils as will 

 alsike, which is used as a substitute for it in undrained 

 or lowland areas. Soils deficient in lime are not well 

 adapted for the growing of red clover, and sometimes a 

 stand cannot be obtained on such soils until they are 

 treated with lime. 



258. Uses. Red clover is one of the most valuable of 

 forage crops and may be used for hay, pasture, or for 

 feeding green from the field. As a hay plant it is es- 

 pecially valuable on account of the high percentage of 

 protein which it contains. It is excellent forage, there- 

 fore, to feed in combination with low protein grain rations. 

 It may also be used in combination with low protein 

 forage, such as corn stover or timothy hay. As a pasture 

 plant, it furnishes excellent grazing for all kinds of live 

 stock. It is objectionable as a pasture for horses because 

 of its tendency to produce slobbers when they are pas- 

 tured upon it exclusively. It also produces bloating in 

 cattle when they are not accustomed to it, but if they are 

 allowed to eat of it but sparingly at first, little trouble 

 of this sort may be expected. Clover does not stand 

 tramping well, neither does it thrive after close cropping. 

 As a pasture it is best used in combination with timothy or 

 other grasses, which largely overcome the above objections 

 to it. As a soiling crop, it yields fairly well, but it cannot 

 compare in that respect with corn or sorghum, although 

 it possesses greater feeding value than either of these two. 

 After being cut for soiling purposes, new plants spring up 

 and a second cutting may be made during the season. 



One of the reasons why red clover is regarded with such 

 favor where it is grown is because of its value in maintain- 

 ing the fertility of the soil. Being a legume, it is able to 

 use nitrogen from the air ; and when it is plowed under or 



