plants. Cash crops seeded the following year will make more 
efficient use of available fertilizer nitrogen when the soils in which 
they grow contain an abundant supply of these essential nutrients. 
Adding potash to the normal application of superphosphate will 
increase yields of winter grains on many northeastern farms. A 
satisfactory ‘‘balance”’ of the two nutrients in a fertilizer is two parts 
of phosphoric acid to one part of potash. Eastern States 0-24-12, 
manufactured at the Wilmington, Delaware, fertilizer plant for dis- 
tribution in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania is widely used 
as a fertilizer for fall grains. Recommended rates of application 
are from 125 to 250 pounds to the acre. 
Nitrogen is'an essential nutrient for fall-seeded grain crops grown 
on ‘‘thin” soils. Since fertilizer nitrogen probably will not be 
available to winter grain crops while the war lasts, manure can be the 
source of that nutrient on many farms. . Light applications of 
manure (about five loads to the acre) while the seedbed is being pre- 
pared will help to get the crop off toa good start. Light topdressing 
during the winter or early spring will also furnish needed nitrogen 
and at the same time furnish protection against winter injury. 
Crimson Clover can be sown in early fall (late August or early 
September) in extreme southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware and 
Maryland. Its chief use is for soil improvement and winter cover, 
but it is also sometimes used for pasture and hay when it should be 
fed or harvested before full bloom. The seed germinates readily 
with little moisture, but the seedlings are somewhat sensitive to- 
adversity, hence careful seeding on a well-prepared seedbed is essen- 
tial. Seed more than two years old seldom has sufficient viability 
to make it suitable for use. 
Planning Fertility for Field Crops 
The grower who is satisfied with nothing less than maximum 
returns from his fall seedings will pay close attention to soil needs 
for plant nutrients, including lime. An important part of seedbed 
preparation is the incorporation of plant nutrients essential to full 
crop development. Previous crop history frequently is the basis for 
deciding the lime and fertilizer application, and is often a good guide. 
Even a more accurate measuring stick for soil requirements is the 
soil test, which is being employed more and more by farmers in the 
Northeast. The test will take much of the “‘guess’’ out of fertilizer 
application and help to assure greater returns for each dollar in- 
vested in plant food. 
Soil requirements for lime should be determined and satisfied 
in preparation for fall seedings. Then is the opportunity, while the 
seedbed is being prepared, for lime to be worked into soil where its 
maximum value in use can be realized. This practice is no less 
important for the green manure crop which will be plowed under and 
followed by a “cash” crop than for the seeding which will remain 
down for a period of time. 
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