CHAPTER VIII 
MAIZE OR 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) 
