EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 



447 



COMrOSITE TEST 



To test germination of shelled corn or to secure approximate condi- 

 tion of ear corn a composite test of 100 kernels should be made. In tak- 

 ing samples of ear corn, extract 100 kernels from each of 100 ears 

 representative of entire lot. Place kernels in rag doll or sawdust box. 

 After seven days count kernels which show strong germination. It will 

 pay to ear test com of less than 95% germination. 



17. A good sod, plowed in fall or early spring makes an excellent foundation for a big 



corn crop. 



THE CULTURE OF CORN 



Corn thrives best on loams and clay loams, sufficiently drained, and 

 well charged with organic matter and the mineral elements of fertility. 

 It is not well adapted to light sandy soils or poorly drained soils. It 

 is often possible by the addition of manure, the turning under of a green 

 manuring crop, and applications of mineral fertilizers, to make light 

 loams produce good crops of corn. It is also possible to drain poorly 

 drained clay and muck areas and secure good yields from sufficiently 

 early varieties, but the most profitable and successful crops result on 

 fertile loams and clay loams, and it is on these soils that extensive 

 corn production occurs and should be most largely encouraged. 



