RAPE AND KALES

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6889, 20 April 1929, Page 12

RAPE AND KALES

Conditions regarding the culitvation of rape aro similar to those for root crops. It can be used on the dairy farm mainly for pigs or for dry stock, but should not bo given to the milking herd. It is usually taken after grass. Sowings are as follows:—In 7m. dribs, 2J-31b.; in 14in. drills, 21b. Dwarf Essex and Broad-leaved Essex are the common varieties. Colonial-grown seed is usually superior to English seed. The time of sowing depends on the time when the material is needed, ihe first sowing should bo from three to four months before it is needed. A turnip mixture, as previously suggested, with a little blood added, is a suitable fertiliser put on at the rate of 6 to 4 cwt. . „ .. The cultivation and manuring or tne kales is similar to rape, but they should be grown in 28in. drills and mtercultivated. Thousand-headed kale is mote a holding than a fattening crop, providing a large amount of feed in summer, autumn and early spring Before feeding oil on land that it at all heavy, the crop should be moulded up to prevent the stock puddling the land and rn ikin'’’ it consolidated. ■*- Chew mocllier, or marrow-stemmned kale is a large kale with a thick stem growing 4 to 6ft. high. There are two varieties, Green Stemmed and Purple Stemmed. It does not fatten lambs well, but is a good holding crop, and is often fed with success to ws“ milk. To minimise danger of it is best cut and wilted before feeding to the milking cows.