440 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol.40 



seemed to exert a beneficial influence on protein formation in seed on both limed 

 and unlimed plats. 



Applications of from 50 to 400 lbs. of muriate of potash per acre were fol- 

 lowed by an average increase of about 10 per cent in the yield of total dry 

 matter and seed on both limed and unlimed plats, while nodule production was 

 slightly stimulated on the limed plats but not on the unlimed. A slight decrease 

 in the percentage of oil in the seeds followed the use of potash, but little 

 Influence on their protein content was observed. 



Various combinations of acid phosphate, muriate of potash, and nitrate of 

 soda, with lime, showed substantial increases in the yield of total dry matter 

 and, except for two plats fertilized with manganese sulphate, in seed as well. 

 That fertilizer treatment which appeared to give the greatest return for the 

 money invested on acid soils comprised from 200 to 300 lbs. of acid phosphate, 

 together with a ton of lime. Other fertilizer mixtures showed increased yields, 

 but these were not sufficient to justify their nse. Nitrate of soda, for example, 

 apparently increased the yield and protein content of the seed, but inhibited 

 nodule formation and caused a decrease in the oil content. 



With manganese sulphate, germination and early growth of soy beans were 

 stimulated, but not nodule production or yields. There was little, if any, effect 

 upon the oil or protein content of the seed. 



Sulphur did not show increased yields of dry matter or seed in applications 

 over 100 lbs. per acre, large amounts seeming to injure the plants. It is sug- 

 gested that this may have been due to oxidation of the sulphur in the soil to 

 sulphuric acid, thus producing acidity. The protein content appeared to ho 

 increased by moderate applications of sulphur but was decreased by large 

 applications, the exact reverse being true in the case of the oil content. In 

 general, sulphur seemed to stimulate nodule formation. Calcium sulphate in 

 amounts up to 600 lbs. per acre seemed to exert little Influence on the yield of 

 total dry matter or seed, while with large amounts there wns an Increase in oil 

 content in the seed and also a stimulation of nodule formation. The results 

 obtained with zinc sulphate and ferric sulphate are deemed Inconclusive, but 

 Ihese minerals seemd to stimulate plant growth and to give Increased seed pro- 

 duction. The protein content was also apparently somewhat increased and the 

 oil content slightly decreased. 



A list of 54 titles comprising the literature cited is appended. 



Farm practice in growing sugar beets in Michigan and Ohio, R. S. Wash- 

 nrRN. L. A. Moorhouse, T. 11. SUHMXBS, and C. O. Townse.nd (17. 8. Dcpt. 

 Agr. Bui. 748 [1919), pp. 45, figs. 23).— This bulletin reports the result of 

 studies made on 320 farms in the vicinity of Caro, Alma, and Grand Rapids, 

 Mich., and in northwestern Ohio, to ascertain the field practices employed in 

 the production of sugar beets under humid conditions, together with the cost of 

 growing the crop. The data were obtained during the crop seasons of 1914 

 and 1015. 



In the Michigan areas, sugar beets followed corn or beans in the rotation, 

 while on 30 per cent of the farms visited in northwestern Ohio they followed 

 clover. Manure was applied at an average rate of about 13 tons per acre on 

 201 of the farms, while commercial fertilizers were applied on 68 per cent of 

 the farms in the Caro region. 47 per cent at Alma. 78 per cent at Grand Rapids, 

 and 30 per cent in northwestern Ohio, the rate of application ranging from 130 

 to 170 lbs. per acre. Planting dates varied from April 5 to June 1. 



Most of the handwork on sugar beets was performed at a contract rate of 

 $1S per acre for beets grown in 22-in. rows, $16 for 24-in. rows, and $15 for 

 28-in. rows. Blocking and thinning was done by 15 per cent of the farmers. 



