FIELD CROPS. 33 



I'anging from 76 to 105 bu. per aero, and of new varieties originated at Iligli- 

 moor Farm ranging from 81.5 to 120 bu. per acre. 



In testing rates of seeding for oats, 16 pk. per acre gave better yields than 

 8, 10, 12, 14, or 20 pk. per acre in 1914 in Aroostook County. An experiment com- 

 paring sulphate of ammonia and nitrate of soda as sources of nitrogen for 

 potato fertilizers is noted as in progress, the first year's trial being favorable to 

 tbe latter. Experiments comparing different methods of applying fertilizers to 

 potatoes are also noted as in progress, with no marked differences thus far. 



It is noted that spraying potato fields with Iron sulphate to kill wild mustard, 

 in 1914, did not give as satisfactory results as previously noted (E. S. R., 31, 

 p. 133). 



In a rotation experiment to test the effect of sweet corn on a succeeding grass 

 crop no injurious effect has been shown thus far. 



Experiments with farm crops in southwest Missouri, C. B^ Hutchison 

 and T. R. Douglass { Missouri 8ta. Bui. 123 {l'Ji5), pp. 163-185, figs. 3).— This 

 bulletin gives results of several years' work with field crops on a red limestone 

 soil classed as Crawford silt loam. Variety tests included corn, oats, barley, 

 and wheat. A 4-year rotation experiment included corn, oats, wheat, and cow- 

 peas and soy beans. 



In an average of three years, drilling oats gave an increase of 2.S bu. per 

 acre over broadcasting. The greatest increase occurred in the most favorable 

 oat season. Winter oats seemed to be an unreliable crop for this section. 

 Drilling cowpeas at the rate of 4 pk. per acre gave 4,475 lbs. of cured hay, a 

 larger amount than broadcasting or planting with a corn planter. 



In alfalfa experiments the use of lime 4,500 lbs., manure 27,000 lbs., and bone 

 meal 300 lbs. per acre gave better yields than limestone alone or than lime- 

 stone and manure. The yields of hay are given as 11,698, 4,085, and 7,455 lbs. 

 respectively, with 778 lbs. per acre with no treatment. 



Under miscellaneous cultural experiments were included rape, crimson clover, 

 and hairy vetch. 



Recommendations for the management of crops in this region and possible 

 cropping systems are given. 



Soil fertility problems, E. B. Stookey {Washington 8ta., West. Wash. Sta. 

 Mo. Bui., 2 (1914), No. 8, pp. 2-6, fig. 1). — This reports results of a one-year 

 soil fertility test on " rather sandy muck soil." From the yields of mangels, 

 corn, potatoes, and thousand-headed kale in field plats the following con- 

 clusions have been drawn : 



" The yields of all four crops clearly show that potash is the limiting 

 factor on this muck soil. Potash alone or in combination has produced about 

 the same results. Lime has increased the yield of three of the four crops, 

 probably because it helps to liberate potash. Nitrogen and phosphorus alone 

 have not increased the yield. Finally, manure has increased the yield more 

 than any other single fertilizer or combination of fertilizers used." 



Pot tests with oats on this soil, a new " shot clay," and fine sandy loam 

 indicated the great value of manure. 



[Cultural and fertilizer experiments], E. B. Stookey (Washington Sta., 

 West. Wash. Sta. Mo. Bid., 2 {1915), No. 10, pp. 7'-i0).— This reports variety 

 tests, for the seasons 1913-14, of oats, barley, wheat, peas, vetch, navy beans, 

 soy beans, cowpeas, corn, kale, marrow cabbage, mangels, sugar beets, swedes, 

 turnips, red clover, alfalfa, millet, and buckwheat; cultural tests with tangier 

 pea, clovers, espersette, serradella, Italian rye grass, meadow fescue, orchard 

 grass, Kentucky blue grass, and other grasses, rape, penicillaria, teosinte, and 

 sorghums. Pot experiments in fertilizing upland " shot clay," valley " fine 

 sandy loam," and muck soils are noted as in progress. 



