Manure On Grass

Categories: THE USE OF STABLE MANURE

When the crop-rotation embraces two or more years of

grass, or one of clover followed by only one of grass, it is better

practice to use the manure to thicken the sod. The object in view is

the largest possible amount of crops, and the maximum amount of organic

matter for the soil. Grass is a heavy feeder, like corn, and makes good

use of nitrogen. Its roots fill the soil so that no loss attends the

use of manure. When the supply is given the grass, after the harvest of

the second crop of clover and during the winter, the timothy can make a

rank growth. The part of the plant above ground has corresponding

development below ground. Not only does a large increase in the hay

crop result, but the heavy mass of grass roots, the aftermath, and the

remains of the manure provide a great amount of fertility for the corn

which follows. The increase in hay permits a corresponding increase in

the manure supply the next year, if it is fed, and if it is sold on

account of a market price greater than its value for feed and manure,

it adds to income materially--and that is one reason for farming.