140 FORAGE CROPS 
be secured, great care should be observed in the 
conserving of the moisture, and therefore the 
cultivation should begin about as soon as the corn 
is planted. Shortly after planting, the surface 
should be stirred frequently, preferably with a light 
harrow or weeder, until the corn is well started, 
when shallow tilling should begin and be continued 
as frequently as possible during the early period 
of growth. This frequent tilling will prevent the 
undue escape of moisture into the atmosphere, as 
well as assist in the decomposition and _ nitrifica- 
tion of the organic matter in the soil and manure. 
After the first crop is removed, a second one may 
be immediately planted, preferably without plowing 
but with a deep cultivation with a cutaway har- 
row. The corn stubs will interfere to some extent, 
but not seriously. The reasons for cultivating, 
rather than plowing, when the first crop is removed 
(say the middle or latter part of July), are, first, 
that quite as good tilth can be secured, and second, 
if the land is plowed at this season, it is frequently 
impossible to get the surface layers so thoroughly 
compacted and connected with the lower one as to 
permit free upward movement of water from the 
lower parts of the soil. It is essential, particularly 
in this second crop, that the germination should 
be quick and as complete as possible, and the 
early growth very rapid. The manures and ferti- 
lizers should be applied in the same way as for the 
