378 FIELD CROP PRODUCTION 



time. This trouble may be prevented and the fields freed 

 from meadow weeds by frequent clipping after the grain 

 crop has been removed. 



404. Pasture lands may also be greatly improved in 

 quality and abundance of yield if clipped with the mower 

 two or three times during the season. Clipping not only 

 destroys the weeds, but also cuts off the dry grass, giving 

 the animals a better opportunity to graze upon the young 

 and tender growth. In many permanent pastures this 

 practice will require that stones, shrubs, and bushes be 

 removed from the field, but the increased yield will doubt- 

 less more than pay for the labor required in this opera- 

 tion. Many permanent pastures and meadows after 

 long service become unproductive. Mossy growth appears, 

 large, bare patches become evident and the grass grows 

 reluctantly. Such pastures have for a long time been in 

 need of fertilization. Mossy growth is usually associated 

 with a lack of lime in the soil, and if upon testing with 

 litmus paper, it is found that this element is lacking, it 

 should be applied before further fertilization is attempted. 

 The kind of lime to apply will depend upon the cost price, 

 although when ground limestone is available, it is usually 

 the most convenient form to apply. From one-half to 

 two tons or more of ground limestone per acre, depending 

 upon the acidity of the soil, may be applied with profit. 

 The application may best be made in the fall, winter, or 

 early spring. If barnyard manure is available, a liberal 

 application with the manure spreader will greatly increase 

 the productivity of the pasture or meadow. If manure 

 is not available, or only in small amounts, it may be 

 supplemented with commercial fertilizers. A high grade 

 complete fertilizer is perhaps the best for grass lands in 

 which little or no clover is growing. Grasses require 



