9 
HINTS ON THE CULTIVATION OF MANGEL. 
History. — 'I'his highly ])opulaf root belongs to the natural order Chawpodiacem, and is the only species 
of that order which enters into our ordinary farm crops, though the allied spinach is cultivated as a garden 
vegetable. Varieties are found growing wild on the sea coast, especially where the soil is tenacious. 1 he 
Mangel, the (iarden Ik-etroot, and the Sugar-beet are all derived from the same original wild plant, all having 
undergone years of re-selection by ourselves and other experts. 
Varieties and Feeding^ Value. — A comparative analysis of different varieties of Mangel as 
against common white turnips shows that about 75 lbs. of Mangel roots are ecjual in feeding value to 100 lbs. of 
turnips ; but we have for some years been endeavouring to im[)rove the ([uality of this popular feeding root. The 
value of Mangel lies in its suitability to lands too strong for succe.ssful turnijr-growing, its great productiveness 
and its excellent keeping and feeding (pialities rendering the crop invaluable in the spring when swedes are 
becoming unpalatable. Mangel, moreover, does not impart to milk the unpleasant flavour associated with the 
use of overgrown turnips. 
Manuringf. — The results obtained from applying the farmyard manure in the autumn are always more 
favourable than those derived from spring manuring, especially if the manure be in a fresh state. The crops 
are not only heavier after autumn manuring, but there is not that tendency to throw out lateral roots which is 
so commonly associated with spring manuring. During the early autumn a heavy dressing of farmyard manure 
should be applied, as the crop pays well for liberal manuring, so that under ordinary conditions from 1 2 to 50 tons 
of manure per acre is not excessive. If the farmer aims at producing the best po.ssible croj) of Mangels, he must 
employ a complete artificial manure in addition. This we have demonstrated repeatedly in our experimental 
grounds, not only as regards increased weight and bulk, but also as regards feeding properties in the roots. 'I'hat 
we attach the greater importance to the increase of food solids in the Mangel will be seen by reference to the 
preface, and we are now able to recommend a compound Mangel manure, which is a special jireparation based 
upon the results of our experiments. We have proved that the application of this compound increases the food 
solids, and improves the keeping quality of the roots. The Mangel is a very productive plant— good varieties, 
such as our Windsor Globe, having produced crops upwards of 90 to too tons per acre — and it is unreasonable 
to expect to grow such large quantities of valuable food without the removal from the soil of manurial matter in 
corresponding proiiortions. 
Sowings Season. — In an open s])ring early sowing succeeds best, as thereby the crop is allowed the 
longest possible time for growth. Some few [jlants may, however, run to seed, owing to peculiarities of the 
season, but an increase in the weight of the crop more than compen.sates for this. 
Culture. — Mangel seed is sown at the rate of 8 lbs. per acre, drilled from 20 to 30 inches from row to 
row. The time for sowing should be as soon as a favourable o|)portunity offers in April. It is very desirable 
to get the seed in early, in order that the crop may enjoy as much warm weather as possible, which is ne<x'ssary 
to enable it to attain its full weight. 'I’he plants should stand singled out up to 30 inches aj)art, if large roots are 
reciuired ; but, as a rule, on ordinary farm soils, the crop pays best when set out from 16 to 20 inches. Repeated 
horse or hand hoeing is necessary for successful after-cultivation. 
Cla.mping’ or Pitting^. — Mangels should be taken up before severe frost, and, as far as possible, in 
dry weather, without cutting the roots or the tops closely, nor removing more of the earth than will shake off. 
Some growers do not cut the root end at all, and twist the leaves off by hand, any ])o.ssible wounding of the 
Mangel by the knife being thereby avoided. If stored under pro|ier conditions, well protected from frost, and 
not smothered in too closely with earth or other close-fitting material. Mangel may be clamped to almost any 
height with impunity. We have seen an old disused thatched barn filled nearly to the roof with Mangel treated 
as described, and they have come out in spring in beautiful sound condition. Mangel matures in the clamp, the 
root not being ripe at the time it is lifted. For this reason, Mangel should not be given to stock until after 
storing. As Mangel get better — within reasonable limits of time — the longer they are kept, owing to chemical 
changes in the root, they thus attain their greatest feeding value at a period when there is often a scarcity of 
succulent food alike for cows, grazing cattle, sheep, and pigs. 
Vermin. The Mangel croi> is not liable to the attacks of so many pests as the turnip crop. The 
most noteworthy is the beet or Mangel fly {An/homyia Bet(e), which deposits its eggs on the leaves of the Mangel 
])lant, and the lanne as soon as hatched out eat their way into the leaf, and thereby stunt the growth of the [)lant, 
Few of the presaabed remedies have proved efficacious when once the crop has been severely attacked. 
Good autumn cultivation, however, with a free use of fertilisers, and a liberal ai)plication of salt to land intended 
for Mangel, will usually be found effective in warding off the attacks of this pest. 
Increasing^ popularity of the Mangfel Crop. — That Mangel is being more extensively 
grown year by year is shown b)' the Government returns as to acreage. Last year it was over halt a 
million acres. 
Raynes Park, London, S.W, — 1912. 
