982 Rural School Leaflet 



cultural directions 

 E. R. Minns 



Preparation. — The first step in growing prize-winning ears of corn 

 is the choosing of soil that is adapted to growing corn. Corn is a plant 

 that delights in a warm climate and in a rich mellow soil that becomes 

 warm fairly early in the spring. Corn will grow well on sandy- and gravelly- 

 loam soils, provided they do not become too dry in summer. Such soils 

 should have enough humus, or decaying vegetable matter, so that they 

 will hold seme of the rain that soaks into them. A clay- or silt-loam 

 soil may grow good corn if it is kept porous and well drained. 



The previous crop that grew on the ground chosen is important 

 in corn-growing. Usually the best preparation for corn is to plow 

 up a meadow or pasture field. To plow under a clover sod is 

 considered ideal. The decay of the roots and stems of clovers and 

 grasses makes food for the corn plants, and the humus formed helps hold 

 the moisture in the soil and makes the soil easy to cultivate. It is well 

 to remember that a field of sod ground may contain white grubs or cut- 

 worms, both of which are enemies of corn plants. If grubs are known to 

 infest the ground, it is not wise to use it for growing corn. 



Generally the best corn grows where barnyard manure has been applied 

 at some time during the year before the corn is planted. Corn is better 

 able than are many other farm crops to use fresh barnyard manure when 

 plowed under. Some farmers use well-rotted manure applied to the fields 

 in spring; others use fresh barnyard manure, applied either in spring or 

 during the previous autumn and winter. It is best to apply it before 

 plowing in any case. The corn roots will find their way to the manure 

 and there will be fewer weeds to destroy. Ten to twenty loads per acre 

 is a moderate application of manure, but more may be used if it is in a 

 good condition for even spreading. A heavy coat of coarse manure, 

 plowed under in spring, may do more harm than good to the corn by 

 drying out the soil too much. 



Some farmers plow ground for corn before winter begins. On rather 

 loose, porous soil this is probably better than spring plowing, as it gives 

 the furrows an opportunity to settle and become well moistened. For 

 moist loam soils, spring plowing seems to be better for corn. It should be 

 done when the ground is dry enough to crumble well as the furrow is 

 turned. When plowing for corn, one should try to make a seed bed that 

 is mellow enough to suit the rapidly growing plants, and at the same time 

 compact enough to contain moisture sufficient for their needs. 



After plowing for corn in spring it will often be well to use the roller 

 for pressing down the newly turned furrows. Then harrows of some kind 



