334 



FIELD CROP PRODUCTION 



large amount of plant food not available to many other 

 crops. The roots penetrate deeply into the soil and draw 

 heavily upon the soil water, which the plant needs in 

 large amounts. 



351. Uses. In this country; rape is used almost ex- 

 clusively as a pasture crop.i Sometimes, however, it is 

 used as a soiling crop. Rarely, if ever, is it cut and dried 

 for hay. As a pasture crop, it is especially valuable be- 

 cause of the large yield of forage and short season of 



FIG. 121. Pasturing hogs on rape. 



growth. It furnishes forage when other pastures are not 

 usually productive, and is high in feeding value and succu- 

 lence. The yield varies from 10 to 25 tons per acre. 

 Rape is especially valuable as a pasture for sheep and hogs. 

 Cattle do well on it, too, but it is objectionable for milch 

 cows because it imparts a flavor to the milk. It is said 

 that this objection may be overcome by feeding the cows 

 after milking. Sheep and cattle when pastured on it are 

 subject to bloating until they become accustomed to it. 

 It is advisable to allow both cattle and sheep the run of 



