THE WABASH CLAY. 11 



to establish a normal or average corn yield for the type even in the 

 more northern States, since the Wabash clay, when properly pro- 

 tected and handled, is capable of producing yields in excess of 60 

 bushels per acre, and any yields falling much below that amount may 

 be directly attributed to some accidental local or seasonal peculiarity. 



In the Southern States corn is produced to a considerable extent 

 upon the Wabash clay in association with the cotton crop. The 

 yields obtained from this soil type frequently exceed those reported 

 from any other soils in the Southern States. Throughout the Yazoo 

 Delta, in Mississippi, and the alluvial bottom lands on the west bank 

 of the Mississippi River, in Louisiana, corn yields of 40 to 50 bushels 

 per acre are not infrequent, while the yields from upland soils range 

 from 8 to 20 bushels. Thus, in all localities where it occurs and 

 where it is properly protected, the Wabash clay is an extremely pro- 

 ductive and very valuable corn soil. 



In some of the northern areas, particularly those which have been 

 artificially protected, wheat is sown, usually a spring crop. Yields 

 vary greatly, but are normally heavy. The minimum yields stated in 

 the various soil survey reports approximate 20 bushels per acre, w r hile 

 maximum yields of 40 bushels have been reported. The quality of 

 the wheat is fair, with a strong tendency toward a rank growth of 

 straw somewhat at the expense of the formation of grain. Undoubt- 

 edly, with proper protection and drainage, the Wabash clay would 

 constitute a very valuable spring-wheat soil of limited extent through- 

 out the Central States. 



Oats are also raised, but only in small areas. The yields are good, 

 ranging from 40 to 60 bushels. The crop has the same tendency as 

 wheat toward straw development. 



Considerable areas of the Wabash clay are devoted to the produc- 

 tion of grass. Timothy and redtop make excellent growth, while 

 upon all areas where the water table is 2 feet or more below the sur- 

 face clover is grown successfully. Yields of timothy ranging from 

 2 to 3 tons per acre are reported. The type ranks as an excellent 

 grass soil. In addition to the tame grasses sown in cultivated fields, 

 considerable areas of the type are annually utilized for the cutting of 

 marsh grass and other wild grasses, with excellent yields of 1^ to 2 

 tons per acre. Even the forested areas are utilized for summer pas- 

 ture. In all of the open glades and throughout portions of the forest 

 wild grasses make good growth and furnish a succulent and abundant 

 pasturage. In the more southern States the switch cane grows luxu- 

 riantly, particularly near the sloughs and bayous, occupying some 

 portion of the type. Cattle are grazed to a limited extent upon this 

 forage during the fall and winter. The wild grasses are almost 

 lacking in these areas. 



It is in the Southern States, however, that the principal agricul- 

 tural use is made of the Wabash clay. In Mississippi and in Loui- 



