1030 



EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



It wa.s found that fertilizer.s had a dt'cidedly unfavorable effect on 

 the germination of .seed, and it is considered best that the fertilizer 

 should not be brought in direct contact with it. 



A three-year rotation of crops ^vith potatoes, rye, and clover, 

 11. J. W'hkelku and .1. A. Tillingiiast {lihodc Ishntd Sta. BuL 7Jf, 

 pp. oJ-74)- — In tliis Itulletin the authors discuss the advantages of 

 crop rotations, outline the experiments conducted, give the detailed 

 history of tlie different plats on which the experiments were made, 

 and report the yields ol)tained, with the financial results. The rotation 

 was conducted on H plats of extremeh' exhausted soil. The plan of 

 the rotation was potatoes on clover sod the lirst year, winter rye the 

 second year, and clover the third yeai-. Commercial fertilizers were 

 used for potatoes and winter rye. 



In the ffrst course of the rotation, plats 11, 13, and 14 yielded 60, 75, 

 and 117 ])u. of- merchantable potatoes per acre, respectively, and in the 

 second course 283, 268, and 193 bu., respectively. During the first 

 course the value of the crops was less than the total expenses in five 

 out of nine instances, and the average loss per year amounted to $6.79 

 per acre. This loss was offset b}" an average annual profit of $23.54: 

 per acre during the second course of the rotation. For the entire 

 period of 6 years the average net profit Avas $16.75 per acre each year. 

 The results further showed an improvement in the general condition 

 of the soil. 



Four-year rotation of crops with Indian corn, potatoes, rye, 

 and clover, 11. J. Wheeler and J. A. Tillikghast {Eliodt Lland 

 Sta. Bid. 75, pp. 77-102). — This bulletin contains a detailed descrip- 

 tion of the conditions under which the rotation tests were carried on 

 and a presentation of the results obtained. The first year Indian corn 

 was grown on clover sod. followed hy potatoes the second 3'ear, win- 

 ter rye the third, and common red clover the fourth. Barnyard 

 manure was applied only l)efore corn, and commercial fertilizers were 

 used for potatoes and rye. 



The yields are given in the following table: 



Comparison of yields of the different crops in tJie first and second course of the rotation. 



