162 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



4 GEORGE V., A. 1914 



EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR SOUTHERN SASKATCHE- 

 WAN, INDIAN HEAD, SASK. 



REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, ANGUS MACKAY. 



EOTATION OF CROPS.' 



In 1910 the first of a series of rotations considered more or less suitable for condi- 

 tions such as obtain in many parts of Saskatchewan was laid down. A fifty-acre field 

 was divided into nine equal areas of 5-55 acres each, and a rotation of nine years' 

 duration commenced. This was followed in 1911 with an eight-year rotation com- 

 prised of fields of five acres each, and a three-year rotation in which twenty acres were 

 divided into three equal parts. In the spring of 1912 thirty more acres became avail- 

 able, on which was inaugurated a six-year rotation. 



It is proposed to study these carefully over a long period of years, so that in 

 addition to learning something of their relative merits as crop producers and weed 

 destroyers, we may secure information as to their effect on soil fertility. On some of 

 them, roots, corn .and legumes have been introduced, the object being to supply foods 

 of a kind suitable for stock-feeding purposes. 



It will require the evidence of many years of comparison before we can accept 

 results as being final, but we shall publish oiir figures from year to year, and make 

 what comment that seems warranted and likely to be of service to our readers. 



The following is a description of these rotations, and tables with details regarding 

 the crops grown thereon, this year: — 



Eotaiion ' C 

 First year. — Summer-fallow. 

 Second year. — Wheat. 

 Third year. — Wheat. 



Rotation ' P.' 

 First year. — Summer-fallow. 

 Second year. — Wheat. 

 Third year. — Wheat. 

 F on r ih year. — Summer-fallow. 



Fifth year. — Roots or legumes. Manured 15 tons per acre. 

 Sixth year. — Barley. Seeded down with rye grass, red clover and alfalfa. 

 Seventh year. — Hay. 

 Eigh th year. — Pasture. 



Rotation ' R.' 

 First year. — Summer-fallow. 



Second year. — Hoed crops or legumes. Manured 15 tons per acre. 

 Third year. — Wheat. 

 Fourth year. — Oats. 

 Fifth year. — Summer-fallow. 

 Sixth year. — Wheat. 



Seventh year. — Oats. Seeded down with rye grass, red clover and alfalfa. 

 Eighth year. — Hay. 

 Ninth year. — Pasture. 



