7 6 



FUNDAMENTALS OF AGRICULTURE. 



that produce more abundantly now than they did a 

 generation ago. A mistaken idea is quite prevalent 

 that land needs resting, that is, to lie idle for a year 

 or two every five or six years that it is cropped. This 

 is not necessary in order to keep up its producing 

 power. The best farmers in this country are the ones 

 that work their land to its fullest capacity. There 



SOY BEANS. A SOIL-IMPROVING CROP. 



must be, however, provision made for returning to the 

 soil part of the fertility removed in the crops. 



Use Soil-Improving Plants. By diversifying the 

 crops grown, a farmer may use soil-improving plants, 

 such as peas, soy beans, and the clovers in his crop- 

 ping system. These often yield a good profit above 

 the expense of raising and harvesting, and they also 

 provide forage for all classes of live-stock. If so de- 

 sired a quick growing legume may be grown for plow- 

 ing under as a green manure. The chief advantages 



