CROTALARIA, A NEW LEGUME FOR THE SOUTH 9 
SOURCE OF SEED 
Since the introduction of Crotalaria striata in 1909 and until 
1926, the crotalaria seed used in this country was grown in Florida. 
The quantity, however, was comparatively small. With increased 
interest in the crop and demand for seed, other sources were sought. 
In 1927 and 1928 the greater part of the seed planted was im- 
ported from Porto Rico. This was C. striata. 
In the Far East seed of several species are harvested and offered 
for sale in the trade, but, with the exception of (C. juncea, so far 
as known none of these is harvested in large quantity. 
INOCULATION 
There has been no difficulty in getting inoculation of crotalaria 
wherever seeded. ‘The organism that inoculates Crotalaria seems to 
be generally distributed as shown by widely separated adaptation 
tests. Native species of Crotalaria are distributed throughout the 
eastern and southern United States and may be a factor in the 
distribution of the inoculating organism. Experience with all the 
species of Crotalaria tested thus far indicates that artificial inocula- 
tion is not necessary. 
USE OF FERTILIZERS 
No experimental work has been attempted to determine the value 
of fertilizers for crotalaria. The excellent growth made without 
fertilizer by the few species that have been grown most extensively 
suggests that under most conditions fertilizers can not yet be used 
to advantage. In many places where crotalaria has been grown, 
however, it probably has had some benefit from fertilizers used 
on previous crops. The effect of fertilizers when used on crotalaria 
direct has yet to be determined. 
TIME AND METHOD OF SEEDING 
Crotalaria has been seeded broadcast, in close drills, and in wide 
rows. (Figs. 3 and 4.) The latter method has been used particu- 
larly when the crop has been intended for seed. Broadcast stands 
have been reasonably satisfactory, but the use of a drill saves seed. 
The seed of all species being comparatively small (figs. 5 and 6), very 
little seed is required for seeding. In 4-foot rows 2 pounds per acre 
is sufficient. When sown in close drills (6 inches) 12 pounds per 
acre is advised, and for broadcast seeding from 15 to 20 pounds 
per acre should be used, depending on the condition of the seed bed. 
A thoroughly prepared seed bed with well-firmed soil is desirable, 
the seeding depth depending on the available soil moisture. In 
general, the seeding should be as shallow as possible, consistent with 
getting sufficient moisture to induce germination and to insure 
maintenance of subsequent growth. 
The time of seeding will vary somewhat with latitude. In general, 
crotalaria should be planted about the same time as corn. From 
March 15 to April 15 is recommended for Florida, and from April 
1 to April 30 for the other Gulf Coast States when growing for 
green manure and soil improvement or a seed crop. When growing 
for hay in Florida the seeding date should be June 15 to July 1, so 
2023 °— ot 2 
