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- 
phorie acid is especially recommended. A formula 
carrying 
Nitrogen. . 2... 2. ee wee . . 3 percent 
Phosphorie acid (available)... .... 8 per cent 
Potash .. 2... 22 ee ee ees - & per cont 
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 
