The Rotation of Crops 



a rotation of crops is advisable. It is less easy to say why than 

 to insist that in practice we find it to be so. The question 

 then arises What is a rotation of crops ? It is the ordering 

 of a succession in such a manner that the crops will tax the soil 

 for mineral aliments in a different manner. A good rotation will 

 include both chemical and mechanical differences, and place tap- 

 roots in a course between surface roots, as, for example, Carrot, 

 Parsnip, and Beet, after Cabbage, Cauliflower, and Broccoli; and 

 light, quick surface crops, such as Spinach, to serve as substitutes for 

 fallows. The cropping of the kitchen garden should be, as far as 

 possible, so ordered that plants of the same natural families never 

 immediately succeed one another; and, above all things, it is im- 

 portant to shift from place to place, year after year, the Cabbages 

 and the Potatoes, because these are the most exhaustive crops we 

 grow. In a ton of Potatoes there are about twelve pounds of potash, 

 four pounds of sulphuric acid, four pounds of phosphoric acid, and 

 one pound of magnesia. We may replace these substances by 

 abundant manuring, and we are bound to say that the best rotation 

 will not obviate the necessity for manuring ; but even then it is well 

 to crop the plot with Peas, Spinach, Lettuce, and other plants that 

 occupy it for a comparatively brief space of time, and necessitate 

 much digging and stirring ; for these mechanical agencies combine 

 with the manure in preparing the plot to grow Potatoes again much 

 better than if the land were kept to this crop only from year to year. 

 If we could mark out a plot of ground into four parts, we should 

 devote one plot to permanent crops such as Asparagus, Sea Kale, 

 and Rhubarb and on the other three keep the crops revolving in 

 some such order as this : No. i, Potatoes, Celery, Leek, Carrot, 

 Parsnip, Beet, &c. No. 2, Peas, Beans, Onions, Summer Spinach, 

 &c., followed by Turnips for winter use, Cabbage for spring use, and 

 Winter Spinach. No. 3, Brassicas, including Broccoli, Brussels 

 Sprouts, Kale, &c. In the following year the original No. i would 

 be cropped as No. 2, and No. 2 as No. 3. In the third season 

 corresponding changes would be made, constituting a three-course 

 system. The cultivator must use discretion in cropping vacant 

 ground. As an example it will be obvious that land cleared of Early 

 Potatoes will be very suitable for planting Strawberries. Another 

 point is worth attention : Peas sown on the lines where Celery has 

 been grown will thrive without any preparation beyond levelling the 

 ground and drawing the, necessary drills. This is a West of England 

 custom, and it answers exceedingly well. 



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