EXERCISE 29 



THE MANAGEMENT OF THE SOIL 



Statement. If fields of the same size produced at the same rate regardless of their topography, 

 fertility, structure, and methods of manipulation, the study of these factors by the student would be 

 unnecessary. 



Object. To study the differences in the productiveness of different farms' and fields in the neighbor- 

 hood, and the reasons for these differences. 



Materials. Three or four fields in the vicinity of the school which during the past season were 

 planted to the same kind of crop, such as three or four corn fields, orchards, wheat fields, cotton fields, 

 or alfalfa fields. • 



Directions, i . Determine the size of the fields selected, either by actual measurement or by con- 

 sultation with the owners, and by similar consultation find what was the total yield (bushels, pounds, 

 or tons) from the year's crop on each field. Enter these facts in the blank on opposite page. A second 

 blank is provided for use in case estimates are made of two kinds of crops. 



(2) In a similar manner whenever possible learn the history of the management of the soil of two 

 or more farms in the neighborhood in which the management has been strikingly different. Observe 

 the cumulative effect upon the productiveness of the land of a judicious system of rotating the crops 



.and the regular use of manure or fertilizer in comparison with that of growing tilled crops continuously 

 without fertilization. 



(3) Study in detail the methods of soil management of two or three of the best farmers of the 

 neighborhood. Ascertain if theirs was the best land in the community when they began to cultivate it. 

 Note whether it has been improved under their management at the same time that they have produced 

 the largest local crop yields. Study their system of crop rotation. To what crops do they apply manure 

 or fertilizer and how much to each acre? Write an account of how their system of soil management 

 differs from that of their neighbors. 



Questions. What is the variation in acre yield in your community as shown by your investigation ? 

 Can you account for the difference in the yield by any difference in the nature of the soil ? by the crop 

 which preceded the one studied ? by the amount and character of the manure or fertilizer applied ? 

 by the method of preparing the ground for the crop? by different kinds of corn, cotton, wheat, alfalfa, 

 that were grown ? by the farming methods used in growing the crop ? by the time and methods used 

 in harvesting the crop ? How much more would it have been worth to the farmer who got the smallest 

 acre yield if his field had produced the same acre yield as that of the most productive field ? Suggest 

 ways that are practicable whereby the smaller yield might be substantially increased. Are the larger 

 yields as great as it is feasible to secure ? How might they be increased with profit ? 



References. Waters, H. J. Essentials of Agriculture, pp. 82-90. Ginn and Company. Warren, G. F. 

 Farm Management, pp. 183-203. The Macmillan Company. Hopkins, C. G. Soil Fertility and Permanent 

 Agriculture, pp. 556-562. Ginn and Company. Parker, E. C. Field Management and Crop Rotation, 

 pp. 50-62. Webb Publishing Company. 



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