50 FORAGE CROPS 



rye is a crop that makes a good growth in relatively- 

 poor soils. The land should be prepared in the 

 same way as when the crop is grown for grain. 

 Particular care should be exercised to make the 

 surface soil very fine, in order that the feeding 

 rootlets may readily occupy the entire area. 



Manures should be used liberally for rye. If 

 available, from six to eight loads of good barn- 

 yard manure should be broadcasted after plowing, 

 and thoroughly harrowed into the soil. If com- 

 mercial fertilizer is used, a mixture rich in phos- 

 phoric acid is especially recommended. A formula 

 carrying 



Nitrogen . . 3 per cent 



Phosphoric acid (available) 8 per cent 



Potash 4 per cent 



is one in which the constituents are well propor- 

 tioned; and its liberal use will very materially 

 influence the character of the growth, not only in 

 the fall, but in the following spring. The fact that 

 fall -grown crops will store food in the tissue ready 

 for elaboration in the spring makes it desirable 

 that such crops as are intended for early forage 

 shall make a vigorous growth in fall, in order that 

 this appropriation of food may be accomplished to 

 the best advantage, and that the spring growth 

 may be early and rapid. Fertilizer should be 

 applied at the rate of 200 to 400 pounds per acre, 

 depending on the character of the soil. It may 



