608 BOAEi) OF AGRICULTUteE. 



weeder and all weeds not removed in this way were cut out by hand. This 

 was done so that the rows of corn would receive equal cultivation and be 

 under lilie conditions. The pruning was done three times in the season 

 at about the ordinary times of cultivation. The second row was not 

 pruned and the third row was pruned four inches deep. The fourth row 

 was not pruned, and the fifth row was pruned six inches deep. This was 

 repeated until a large field was treated in this manner. 

 The resulting yields were as follows for three seasons: 



Not pruned 60 bu. per acre. 



Pruned 2 inches deep 60 bu. per acre. 



Pruned 4 inches deep 45 bu. per acre. 



Pruned 6 inches deep 30 bu. per acre. 



In fact, these and all other similar experiments simply prove that any 

 injury to the roots of the plant reduced the yield. The amount of the 

 reduction was about in proportion to the number of roots cut off. This 

 experiment explains the reduction of the yield of deep cultivation. 



FREQUENT CULTIVATION. 



The best results of experiments and from practical experience is to 

 the efiCect that continued cultivation, keeping a loose mulch on the surface 

 of the soil, gives the best results. The general practice coming into vogue 

 among the most progressive and successful corn growers is after the corn 

 reaches a height to interfere in cultivation with the ordinary two-horse 

 cultivator, to work a single horse with a five tooth harrow or drag, and 

 cultivate between the rows of corn during the setting of the ears on the 

 stalks. The yields per acre of 100 bushels have been secured by this 

 plan, and experience has proven it to be a practical and successful plan 

 on a large scale. Of course,, if there is plenty of rainfall such precaution 

 is not necessary. 



METHODS OF CULTIVATION. 



A test of a few of the different methods of cultivation in use at 

 present, resulted as follows: 



Weeds allowed to grow 58 bushels per acre. ■ 



Weeds cut out with hoe and a loose mulch 



made with hoe 90 bushels per acre. 



3-iuch deep cultivation, small shovels 00 bushels per acre. 



4-inch deep cultivation, small shovels 91 bushels per acre. 



6-inch deep cultivation, small shovels 84 bushels per acre. 



6-inch deep cultivation, large shovels 87 bushels per acre. 



Colpher or blade cultivation 88 bushels per acre. 



Deep early and shallow late 85 bushels per acre. 



Shallow early and deep late 89 bushels per acre. 



Mulch with grass 88 bushels per acre. 



