36 The Bulletin. 



report, is to determine the most economical methods of fertilizing 

 the various soil types, which, when applied in conjunction with 

 proper crop rotations, will increase the producing power and thereby 

 establish a lietter system of agriculture. 



We have exi^erimental work in progress in the Mountain section 

 which has this end primarily in view, but it will require a period pf 

 several years before very definite results can be expected from it. 

 However, we are able at this time to recommend methods which if 

 followed on the Porter's and Toxaway soils will come nearer main- 

 taining their productivity than the methods more commonly now in 

 practice. 



Such a system of management must first of all include the appli- 

 cation of phosphoric acid. In addition, it must include either the 

 use of large quantities of farm manure, or the turning under of legu- 

 minous crops. The organic matter in the case of the great part of 

 the cultivated soils of the mountains must be increased before maxi- 

 mum grain crops can be produced at a profit. With this purpose in 

 view the following rotations are recommended. 



THREE-YEARS ROTATION. 



First Year — Corn, with soja beans drilled in row at planting or 

 before first cultivation. 



Second Year — AVheat, red clover. 

 Third Year — Red clover. 



This is a short rotation admirably adapted to the grain farms of 

 the section. The corn stover and wheat straw should be plowed under 

 or fed to stock and the manure carefully saved and returned to the 

 soil. The soja beans should be turned under and likewise the last 

 crop of red clover. 



In starting this rotation we would recommend an application of 

 200 to 400 pounds of acid phosphate or steamed bone meal under 

 the corn and 100 pounds of nitrate of soda used as a top dressing. 

 If available, farm manure may be used with the phosphate and the 

 nitrate eliminated. This fertilization applies to the more extensively 

 tilled types. The nitrogen application could well be reduced or left 

 off entirely on new land or on the darker phases or types. Unless 

 lime has been applied within the last two or three years, an applica- 

 tion of 1,000 pounds of ground limestone should be added to the 

 lighter colored soils and 500 pounds of burned lime to those con- 

 taining large amounts of organic matter, this lime to be applied 

 broadcast and thoroughly incorporated with the surface soil at the 

 time of preparing the land for com or wheat crop. 



The first year wheat is grown it should receive similar treatment 

 to that recommended for corn. In addition to the acid phosphate it 



