THIRD REPORT ON POTATO CULTURE. 



Conclusions Based Upon Experiments in Potato Culture 



During Four Years. 



1 . The average yield of potatoes throughout the state is not 

 more than one-half what it should be and what it would be were 

 better methods practiced. 



2. All soils of ordinary fertility contain sufficient potential 

 plant food to produce abundant crops. By tillage, and drainage 

 if necessary, a part of this potential plant food can be made avail- 

 able for the use of plants. 



3. Early planting of potatoes and frequent tillage to conserve 

 moisture will ordinarily give best results. 



4. Early planting necessitates vigorous spraying with Bor- 

 deaux mixture and Paris green to protect the foliage from blight 

 and beetles. 



5. Success with potatoes depends largely upon the preparation 

 given the soil before the potatoes are planted. Plowing should 

 be deep, and at the time of planting, soil should be mellow and 

 loose. 



6. On soils which are likely to be affected seriously by 

 droughts, it is especially important that the potatoes be planted 

 early and deep and the tillage should be frequent and level. 



7. On soils which are not well drained, either naturally or 

 artificially, and on clay or clay loam soils, potatoes may be 

 planted somewhat shallow and slight hilling ma^' be practiced 

 with benefit. 



8. Harrowing the land after the potatoes were planted and 

 before the plants appeared produced marked beneficial results. 



9. From six to seven cultivations have given best yields. 



Potato Experiments in 1898. 



For four years the experiments with potatoes have been con- 

 tinued. In 1895 an experiment was planned, the object of which 



