United States Department of Agriculture Farmers' Bulletin No. 550

Crimson Clover: Growing the Crop

Probably the most important characteristic of crimson clover is its ability to grow and make its crop during the season when the land is not occupied by the ordinary summer-growth crops. In sections where it succeeds, crimson clover can be sown following a grain crop or in an intertilled crop in late summer and will mature a hay crop the following spring in time to plow the land for spring-seeded crops, such as corn or cotton. It may even be held for seed as far north as central Delaware and the stubble be plowed under in time for seeding the quick-maturing strains of corn. It may be turned under for soil improvement when only 6 inches high if it Is desired to fit the land for early spring-seeded crops Even if only the stubble be turned under, the effect upon the succeeding crop will be marked, especially if the soil be deficient in nitrogenous fertilizers. The plowing under of the entire plant, however, will more rapidly correct any deficiency of nitrates or humus in the soil. It is one of the best cover crops for use in orchards and, in fact, under any conditions where the soil is likely to wash during the winter months. The many uses to which this crop may be put merit a careful study of the best methods of establishing ii stand of crimson clover upon a farm. Crimson clover (fig. 1) is frequently called "Scarlet clover" and, somewhat loss commonly, "German clover," "Italian clover," "French clover," "Incarnate clover," "Annual clover," etc. It occurs wild in England and in eastern and southern Europe and is grown as a forage and soil-improving crop in Italy, France, Germany, Austria, and Great Britain. It was introduced into this country as early as 1822, but was grown only to a very limited extent until about 1880. It has proved especially adapted to the lighter, sandy soils of the eastern part of the United States where the winters are not too severe. In the Middle Atlantic States it is also grown to a considerable extent on the clay soils of the Piedmont section. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 63165
Author: Westgate, J. M. (John Minton)
Release Date: Sep 10, 2020
Format: eBook
Language: English