56 FORAGH CROPS 
growth for soiling it is very well balanced in its 
proportions of nutrients. 
WHEAT AS A FORAGE CROP 
Wheat can be successfully used for forage pur- 
poses. It will be ready for use usually as soon as 
the rye has reached the unpalatable stage. Wheat 
is not so economical as rye in many respects; the 
seed is more expensive, it is less hardy and thus 
liable to suffer greater injury from unfavorable 
weather conditions, and does not start so rapidly 
in spring. It also requires a richer soil for its best 
growth. As in the case of rye, when it is designed 
as a forage crop, either for soiling or for pasture, 
the crop should be seeded a little earlier than the 
usual time of seeding for grain, that is, not later 
than September 1 in the middle states. 
Any variety that is well adapted for grain to 
the soil and climate of the given locality will be 
suitable for forage, although the kinds that make 
large straw,—and preferably beardiess varieties, 
—are to be recommended. 
Wheat also makes excellent pasture, and if 
managed carefully a large quantity of food may be 
obtained. Care should be used to prevent too 
close early cropping. 
Wheat also makes a highly nutritious and 
palatable hay if cut when just in full head, and 
