BIENNIAf. REPORT. 1927 AND 1928 303 



The second part is a statistical analysis of factors affecting prices, using 

 multiple correlation methods. The relative importance of various supply 

 and demand factors has been determined, both over a period of years, 

 and for different seasons. 



The third part of the project is a statistical analysis of the relation 

 between egg quality and price. 



Parts one and two have been completed. Part three will be completed 

 in 1929. It is expected that each part will be published separately as an 

 Experiment Station bulletin. 



In addition to these organized projects, the department has been con- 

 cerned with other interested departments in studies defining the present 

 economic position of various farm enterprises in the State. Two of these 

 studies have already been published as extension bulletins, "Potatoes in 

 Massachusetts Farm Economy", and "Dairy Replacements in Massachu- 

 setts". Studies are also under way dealing with onions, poultry and cer- 

 tain other aspects of the dairy industry. 



DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY 



A. B. Beaumont in Charge 



Tobacco Investigations 



Cropping Systems. (J. P. Jones). The outstanding results to date 

 are: (1) the failure of tobacco in rotation with corn and hay, (2) lack of 

 positive benefit from the use of timothy, rye or redtop as cover crops for 

 toll !cco, and (3) best yield and quality obtained with tobacco growing 

 every year on the same land. 



The Influence of Different Crops on Yield and Quality of Tobacco. 

 (1. P. Jones). Corn and liay have been most detrimental, witii potatoes 

 and onions the least. Tobacco after tobacco has been in most cases better 

 than after potatoes and equal to that after onions. 



F eld Study of Tobacco Production in Massachusetts. (A. B. Beaumont). 

 D'ta collected from 232 tobacco farms supported findings at the Station 

 reafve to soil management and cropping systems. For example, it was 

 found that tobacco grown continuously yielded better than tobacco in 

 rotation, that cover crops were slightly detrimental, and that lime and 

 ashes reduced yields. 



The Effects of High Applications of Acid Phosphate on Tobacco. (J. P. 

 Jones). Indications are that, on land growing poor tobacco even though 

 well fertilized, rather iieavy applications of acid phosphate will improve the 

 yield and quality of tobacco. 



The Amount of Nitrogen Usually Required to Grow Tobacco Success- 

 fully. (J. P. Jones). The results indicate that from 1-50 to 200 pounds 

 of nitrogen ]ier acre are necessary for satisfactory growth of tobacco. 



The Form of Nitrogen Which Produces the Best Yield and Quality of 

 Tobacco. (A. B. Beaumont). Results of this investigation to date point 

 strongly to the conclusion that the nitrate form of nitrogen is, among 

 many inorganic and organic forms, the most readily assimilated by, and 

 produces the best quality of Havana tobacco. 



The Relation of Form of Nitrogen to Root-rot of Havana Tobacco. 

 (A. B. Beaumont). Evidence thus far secured, not conclusive, in- 

 dicates that the nitrate form of nitrogen tends to counteract the so- 

 called brown root-rot of Havana tobacco. Ammonium compounds in low 



