56 PRINCIPLES OF FARM PRACTICE 



But the kind of crops and animals produced may be entirely 

 different. The problem on any farm is to make the best of 

 the soil that it has; restoring its fertility if need be, but 

 always keeping it up to a high standard of production. How- 

 ever modified by the kind of farming undertaken or by the 

 influence of climate and other conditions, this is an essential 

 basis for success. Here is where the farmer is able to make 

 his contribution to the conservation of our natural resources. 



The real test of good soil management is in the maximum 

 production of crops and the maintenance of soil fertility at 

 the same time. In general, the soil should be so managed as 

 to produce the highest yield possible of the crops best suited 

 to that particular soil. Since soils differ greatly in natural 

 fertility, it is too much to expect equal production from all 

 soils, but not too much to expect that each approach its 

 possibilities. 



Having considered at some length the application of the 

 principles of soil management, we are now ready to take up 

 the question of what use to make of the soil. By this is 

 meant a choice of crops that will secure the best returns from 

 the soil. 



