CHAPTER XX 



FARM MANAGEMENT AND CROP ROTATION 



Soil Problems Are Prominent in Farm Management. The 



most successful system of farming is that which gives the largest 

 profit, increases soil fertility, and brings to the farmer and his 

 family the largest amount of happiness. Successful farm manage- 

 ment presents many problems, the most important of which con- 

 cerns the growing of suitable crops, the adaptation of crops to soil, 

 the care of the soil and crops, the disposition made of the crops, and 

 the distribution and use of labor. The problems involving soil 

 relations are usually of fundamental importance and thus are 

 given special attention. Indeed, it is self-evident that productive 

 soil is the basis of profitable farming. 



The old style of farming has been largely the one-crop system 

 a system which has generally led to soil depletion. Modern agri- 

 culture and scientific farming demands the growing of several 

 crops, chiefly because of its beneficial effects on soil fertility. Thus 

 diversified farming has become of national importance. 



Advantages in Growing Different Crops. There are several 

 advantages to be gained in growing different kinds of crops, 

 important of which are: (a) It economizes in the use of labor; 

 (6) a more dependable income is assured; (c) it permits of 

 crop rotation. 



Different kinds of crops necessarily require different planting 

 and harvest times. The labor required to care for the crops is ex- 

 tended more uniformly over a longer period than when just one crop 

 is grown. Moreover, a diversity of crops encourages the keeping 

 of more livestock, the care of which utilizes labor, especially 

 during winter months. 



The growing of one crop means just one source of farm income, 

 and that is rather uncertain at times. The growing of several 

 crops provides a more dependable income. When the weather is 

 bad or prices low for one crop, the conditions or prices are usually 

 favorable for some other crop. To establish more than one source 

 of income is good business. 



It is self-evident that rotation is made possible only when 



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