Growing, Nitrogen for Companion Crop 
A n EXPENSIVE ELEMENT.—With nitrate of 
soda selling at $90 per ton or more, and with 
other sources of nitrogen reaching new high levels, 
the problem of securing this most important element 
in crop growth is a very serious one. There is an 
unlimited supply of it in the atmosphere, since that 
is four-fifths nitrogen. The means so far devised, 
however, for extracting it have not lowered the cost 
of the soluble plant food to the farmers, nor are 
they likely to in the near future. Forty years ago 
two scientists, Ilellrigel and Wilfartli, discovered 
stead of following it has been gaining headway, and 
it has been the observance of the writer that many 
farmers can utilize this procedure to excellent ad¬ 
vantage. One of the oldest examples of companion 
cropping is the use of clover and Timothy. This 
practice has been found very beneficial to both crops, 
and the yield of each grown in this way is greater 
than would be if grown separately under ordinary 
conditions. With favorable conditions of rainfall 
and a soil reasonably fertile in the mineral elements 
of plant food, we may expect four beneficial results 
legumes. These tiny plants take carbohydrate from 
the host plant and “fix” atmospheric nitrogen in the 
nodules for the use of the host. It is believed the 
nodule or tubercle thus formed is due to the irrita¬ 
tion of the root by these bacteria. In any event, it 
serves as the storehouse for the nitrogen, and being 
thus attached to the root there is no loss of the 
element in transmission to the plant. As the plant 
grows the nodules increase in number and the older 
ones break off and decay, thus furnishing the roots 
of the non-legumes with a supply that is readily 
that the legumes, including the clovers, peas and 
beans were aide to secure nitrogen from the air 
through the medium of bacteria living symbiotically 
on their roots. This gave a scientific explanation 
for the luxuriant growth made by these crops on 
poor soil and stimulated interest in the growth of 
this family of plants for restoring depleted nitrogen 
resources. 
EFFECT OF LEGUMES.—Today every practical 
farmer knows the result upon the succeeding crop 
of corn, wheat or other non-legume crop, of Crimson 
clover, cow peas or Alfalfa. This is done either in 
in growing legumes with non-legumes. First, an 
increased growth of the non-legume, due to its 
utilization of the surplus nitrogen developed by the 
legume, but not entirely used by it. Second, an in¬ 
creased proportion of nitrogen in the non-legume, 
which means a higher percentage of protein, since 
the nitrogen forms the base of this essential nutrient. 
Third, a better development of most legumes, since 
many of them are inclined to vine growth, and 
unless supported by an upright crop they tend to 
lodge and decay, accompanied by the loss of leaves. 
Examples of this are seen in the case just mentioned 
assimilated, since its roots are intermingled with 
those of the legumes. 
OATS AND PEAS.—This is .one of the most desir¬ 
able mixtures in the- list of companion crops. For 
best results the peas should be planted deep and 
the oats nearer the surface, using 1 y 2 bushels of 
each. Inoculation for the peas is necessary in most 
soils. Oat and pea hay, when cut at the proper 
stage, is highly nutritious and fully equal to clover 
hay for general feeding purposes. Only Canada 
field peas should be used for this mixture with oats, 
and the seeding should be done as early in the 
Oats and Canada Peas Ready to Harvest. Fig. S Corn Harvest at Neiv Jersey State Home for Boys. Fig. 6' 
the regular rotation, or a quick-growing legume may 
be planted as a catch crop in the late Summer or as 
a cover crop. The value of cover-cropping with 
legumes has been demonstrated throughout the 
country, and there is a great deal of interest in the 
use of quick-growing, efficient nitrogen gatherers 
that will be hardy under ordinary conditions. This 
accounts to a large extent for the interest mani¬ 
fested in the new annual Sweet clover originated by 
the Iowa State College and described in The R. N.-Y. 
COMPANION CROPPING.—More recently the 
practice of sowing a non-legume uith a legume in- 
of Timothy and clover, and others are mentioned 
later. Fourth, there is greater economy in fertiliza¬ 
tion, since sufficient nitrogen is manufactured for 
use of both crops, and only phosphoric acid (and in 
-some instances potash) need be supplied. 
THE PROCESS INVOLVED.—Before mentioning 
some excellent examples of such companion cropping 
it may be well to emphasize the process involved, so 
that there may be a clear understanding of the 
desirable methods of culture and the importance of 
having the right inoculation. Symbiotical bacteria 
are minute plants living on the surface roots of 
Spring as weather conditions permit. 
SOY BEANS AND CORN.—Soy beaus planted 
with corn yield an excellent mixture for silage or 
hogging down. It is better to plant the beans with 
a separate planter, or in a separate compartment, if 
a machine planter is used, since corn and beans do 
not mix sufficiently in the same compartment. Fif¬ 
teen pounds of Soy beaus may be used per acre. The 
Wilson and Mammoth Yellow varieties have been 
found especially satisfactory, since they are vigorous 
growers, and produce plenty of pods by the time the 
corn is ready to cut for the silo. Some farmers 
