842 



EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910 



SUMMER-FALLOW COMPARED WITH SOD PLOUGHED UNDER FOR 



WINTER WHEAT. 



A series of experiments have been begun to gain information as to the relative 

 crop from winter wheat sown on summer-fallow as compared with seeding on sod 

 ploughed under, from which a hay crop has been taken that same season. Notwith- 

 standing the low yields secured on brome sod this year, it is proposed to continue 

 the work with brome, and also to include timothy sod, and special attention will be 

 given to a comparison of the latter with summer-fallow. While brome is conceded 

 a high place in making a permanent pasture and supplying hay of value for dairy 

 cattle, it is not thought desirable to include it in a rotation of crops. Following are 

 the results of three varieties of wheat on brome sod as compared with summer-fallow, 

 and one of the same varieties on timothy sod. It is well to remember in considering 

 these yields that, in the case of timothy, a yield of hay of about 2J tons per acre was 

 secured in 1907. (2) That the season of 1907 did not permit (on account of heavy 

 rains) the sod being subdued with the usual effectiveness, and (3) that in addition 

 to the sale crop of wheat, a crop of grass seed was also secured, the seed on timothy 

 sod amounting to four bushels per acre. 



WINTER WHEAT— DATE OF SOWING. 



Experiments to determine the best time to sow were begun in 1907 and the 

 results are herewith reported. It is proposed that this work be carried further in 

 1908-9. Seeding was begun August 1, 1908, and continued till September 12, seedings 

 being made one week apart. Two varieties were used, namely, Turkey Red and 

 Dawson's Golden Chaff, and these were sown on both timothy sod and summer-fallow. 

 Following are the yields of wheat sown at different dates on sod in 1907 : — 



Winter Wheat — Dates of Sowing. 



