170 FORAGE CROPS 
organic matter, are neutral in their. reaction, and 
are well-drained; and these are the conditions, 
also, that are favorable for crops, providing suffi- 
cient food is present. 
Methods of inoculation 
In view of these facts, it becomes necessary, in 
order to secure the full benefit from the growth of 
leguminous crops, to see that the proper organisms 
are present. This may be readily accomplished by 
inoculation, or introducing the specific organism. 
Soils deficient in these organisms may be supplied 
by using earth from the fields in which they are 
known to be present. Experiments show that only 
a small quantity is necessary, if evenly distributed, 
to accomplish the purpose. From one to three 
hundred pounds of mixed soil, taken from dif- 
ferent parts of the field, will be sufficient for one 
acre, if sown broadeast and harrowed in. The soil 
should be taken from a field in which the same 
kind of crop has been successfully grown. The 
organisms will multiply when legumes are grown, 
will distribute rapidly, and be prepared immedi- 
ately to begin their helpful work. Once the organ- 
isms are present, there is little danger of their 
destruction under good farm practice. If the crops 
that are grown on this area are fed to farm stock, 
and the manure is used elsewhere on the farm, 
