EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 317 



the distribution of seed of liigh yieldino; varieties was placed on an even 

 more effective basis, by officially designating that organization as an 

 official sales agency of the Michigan Crop Improvement Asisociation. The 

 Farm Bureau Seed Departjnent, which is equipped for the cleaning and 

 handling of seed, has branch organizations in nearly all Michigan coun- 

 ties. 



HIGH YIELDING VARIETIES TROPERLY HANDLED ON ADAPTED SOILS 



GIVE GREATEST PROFITS, 



It is an undisputed fact that the selection of good seed of high yielding 

 varieties is one of the most important factors in securing a high yield 

 per acre at less cost per bushel in production. When crop prices are 

 high, best varieties are usually in the strongest demand. As a matter of 

 fact, high yielding varities are of equalh' great importance to the indi- 

 vidual farmer when crop prices are low, since by growing improved 

 strains the production cost ])er bushel is materially lessened. 



In addition to growing good varieties it is important that properly 

 treated seed be planted on adapted soil, properly prepared. The early 

 plowing and thorough fittiug of seed beds will increase yields. The date 

 of planting various crops is also an important factor in determining 

 yield. There is a marked tendency to plant wheat and rye too late in the 

 fall and oats and barley too late in the si)ring. 



Acid phosphate and otlier coinmercial fertilizers liigh in phosphorus 

 pay large profits when rightly used, particularly on gi-ain and cash croips. 

 The use of lime is essential in securing good stands of alfalfa' and clover 

 in many Michigan districts. The growing of crops in proper rotation, 

 with adeciuate applications of ground limestone or marl, manure, and 

 phosphate fertilizers applied during the rotation, generally build up the 

 land. 



This brief cipcular does not aim to discuss the above questions in 

 detail, but aims to emphasize the necessity of growing good varieties, 

 under adapted conditions. 



CORN VARIETIES. 



Owing to the great variation of climatic and soil conditions in Michi- 

 gan, it is of importance that corn varieties be grown only in regions to 

 which they are adapted. Numerous variety tests throughout Michigan 

 combined with a number of years' observations, have indicated the ap- 

 proximate sectional distribution of corn varieties, aiS shown by the accom- 

 panying varietal adaptation map — Figure No. 5. 



It is highly important that seed be carefully selected in the field and 

 properly stored. Seed resulting from three years of careful ear-row selec- 

 tion work at the Michigan Experiment Station with the Duncan, Golden 

 Glow and Duncan-Golden Glow Cross will be released in quantity from 

 the Michigan Experiment Station increase fields in the spring of 1922, 

 chiefly through the Michigan Crop Improvement Association for increase 

 in a large way. 



Methods of selecting and caring for seed corn are dealt with in detail 

 in the Michigan Experiment Station Bulletin No. 289, "Corn Growing 

 in Michigan." 



