274 FIELD CROP PRODUCTION 



sively in the Atlantic Coast States as far noith as New 

 Jersey. In the northern corn belt states, it seldom with- 

 stands the winters, and is of little importance. It grows 

 well on almost all types of soils, but thrives best on the 

 loams. Crimson clover will grow on soils of a very sandy 

 nature, but sometimes it is necessary to add mineral 

 fertilizers to this type of soil to secure a good crop. Crim- 

 son clover, like red clover, does not grow well on wet soils ; 

 but it is less sensitive to a deficiency of lime, growing well 

 on soils that turn litmus paper red. 



275. Uses of crimson clover. — Crimson clover is 

 used to some extent for hay in the states along the Atlantic 

 coast, and it is said to make an excellent quality of hay 

 when properly cut and cured. According to chemical 

 analj'sis, it has about the same feeding value as red clover. 

 The hay, however, is of coarser quality and is not so pala- 

 table as that of red clover, although many farmers prefer 

 it to the latter. Its palatability and feeding value is in- 

 fluenced to a considerable extent by the time of cutting. If 

 allowed to stand too long, the stems become woody and the 

 calyx surrounding the seed pod becomes stiff and sharp, 

 which makes it objectionable for feeding. Sometimes hair 

 balls are formed from the hair of stems and leaves, and 

 cause digestive troubles in animals to which it is fed. If 

 cut for hay about the time it is in full bloom, and properly 

 cured, the above objections are largely overcome. The 

 curing is rather difficult on account of the high water con- 

 tent, but may be well accomplished by piling in rather small 

 cocks and allowing to remain for a few days. When ready 

 for storing, the cocks should be opened up and thoroughly 

 dried out. Crimson clover furnishes good pasture during 

 the late summer and fall, and it may be pastured again 

 in the spring. It is also valuable for soiling, being avail- 



