294. FORAGE CROPS 
well worked into the surface soil, is desirable, as 
the plant is a voracious feeder. For its best 
growth it must have abundance of available nitro- 
gen. Hence, if manures are not readily obtainable, 
an application of fertilizers rich in nitrogen should 
be applied. Experience has shown that a fertilizer 
containing 
Nitrogen. j..é6 6s ee we ww ee 5 per cent 
Phosphorie acid (available) ....... 8 per cent 
Potash se #4 2) Se ae we He Se ws 9 per cent 
applied at the rate of 600 pounds per acre, will 
supply the food in good proportions. Should the 
season be unfavorable for rapid growth, an addi- 
tional application of 100 pounds per acre of nitrate 
of soda when plants have well started will stimu- 
late growth and help to ensure a large crop. This 
top-dressing of nitrate should be made when the 
plants are dry. 
The rape may be seeded either in drills or 
broadeast any time from early in May for pastur- 
ing in July or August, or as late as July or 
August for late summer and fall pasture and also 
for cover-crops. When used for a cover-crop, the 
broadcast method is probably the better. When a 
large yield of succulent forage is desired, it is 
better to plant in drills two to two and one-half 
feet apart, as this permits early and thorough cul- 
tivation. The quantity of seed to be used is to be 
determined by the condition of soil and weather. 
