CHAPTER VIII 

 MAIZE OB INDIAN CORN 



There is no one crop that is equal to corn for 

 forage purposes. If it could be so grown as to 

 supply green forage from May 1 to November 1, 

 there would be no good reason for the introduction 

 in soiling systems of any other plant of the same 

 group. The reasons for this broad statement are, 

 (1) that corn is adapted to a wide range of soils, 

 and thus can be successfully grown for forage 

 practically everywhere in the United States; (2) 

 it makes the largest yield of digestible dry matter 

 •per acre, other things being equal, of any crop 

 that is now grown; (3) in its immature state it is 

 very palatable and is eaten practically clean by 

 all classes of farm stock up to the time that 

 the grain begins to harden; (4) it is one of the 

 least expensive crops to grow, largely because of 

 the cheapness of seed; (5) it can be completely 

 utilized, either as a grain crop or winter forage 

 crop, if not needed as green forage to supple- 

 ment pastures, or if the yields are larger than 

 needed for soiling; (6) it is the only wholly 

 satisfactory silage crop; (7) it is a tilled crop, 

 and its use may improve the land. 



(132) 



