THE KNOX SILT LOAM. 15 



soil is also materially increased by the application of the stable 

 manures, and in consequence the Knox silt loam is best farmed and is 

 most effective, both for crop production and for profitable occupation, 

 in the regions where dairying predominates. Locally, areas of the 

 Knox silt loam in central Illinois and north central Indiana are used 

 to a limited degree for the pasturing of dairy and other stock, al- 

 though the limited extent of the type throughout this region does not 

 constitute it an important dairying soil. Elsewhere dependence is 

 placed upon the production and sale of grain or of tobacco. 



SUMMARY. 



The Knox silt loam is extensively developed from Indiana west- 

 ward to Nebraska and from the Ohio River north to southern Wis- 

 consin. It is the most extensive of the forested, silty soils derived 

 from the loess. 



In many areas the surface of the Knox silt loam is hilly to steep, 

 and such areas remain in forest to be used for woodlot or pasturage 

 purposes. In other areas the surface is undulating to rolling, and 

 power machinery may be used over the entire area of the type. 



The surface drainage of the type is generally adequate, although 

 local areas require the assistance of tile underdrainage to improve 

 subsoil drainage conditions. 



The Knox silt loam is not Infrequently somewhat deficient in 

 organic matter and the increase of the yields of the general crops 

 produced upon it is largely dependent upon the restoration of organic 

 matter to this soil. 



The Knox silt loam is a subordinate soil for the production of 

 corn in the majority of areas where it is tilled, although fair average 

 yields are secured by the best farmers. 



It is one of the principal winter wheat soils of southern Indiana- 

 and adjoining territory, the yields ranging from 10 to 18 bushels 

 per acre and averaging 11 to 12 bushels over considerable areas. 



In more northern locations oats take the place of wheat as the 

 small grain most generally raised on the Knox silt loam. The yields 

 are good, ranging from 30 to 35 bushels or more per acre. 



Grass is a subordinate crop in the more southern areas where the 

 Knox silt loam is found, and the mixed grasses are little raised in its 

 western extension. Elsewhere grass grown for hay constitutes a 

 secondary or a leading crop, with yields ranging from 1 to 2 tons per 

 acre and averaging about 1 tons for the entire extent of the type. 



The Knox silt loam is also used for the production of export 

 tobacco in Kentucky and southern Indiana and for cigar-binder to- 

 bacco in southern Wisconsin. Under present conditions the extension 

 of tobacco production can scarcely be recommended. 



