CHAPTER VII 

 CLIMATE AND SOIL REQUIRED FOR CORN 



Effect of Climate. Corn is of tropical origin, but, owing to its 

 ready adaptation, it has been adapted to grow and mature as far 

 north as southern Canada. However, corn has not lost its liking for 

 warm, sunshiny weather. Corn not only requires warm days but 

 comparatively warm nights as well. One effect of cool nights, even 

 when the days are warm, is to delay ripening. This effect is best 

 seen at high elevations where the nights are cool. 



In the Middle States corn that will mature in 100 days at an 

 elevation of 1000 feet will require 130 to 140 days at elevations 

 of 2000 or 3000 feet. 



Flint corns will mature in cooler climates than dent corns. In 

 Mexico dent corn will mature at elevations of 8000 feet, but in North 

 Carolina only from 2000 to 3000 feet; and as far north as New 

 York, only the very earliest varieties will mature at 1000 feet ele- 

 vation. Flint corns, however, will do well at 1000 feet in New 

 York, and much higher. Consequently, in this State and all New 

 England most of the corn raised is flint, except for silage when it 

 is cut green. 



Sunshine is also required, and in some places where it is cloudy 

 for half the time, corn does not do well on that account. While hot, 

 sunshiny days are not always the most agreeable, yet this kind of 

 weather is the greatest asset of the corn- and grain-growing belt in 

 the Central States. 



Soils for Corn. Corn is sometimes called a " coarse feeder," 

 owing to its ability to apparently use coarse manures, and will thrive 

 on new clover sods, in contrast with wheat and oats which are said 

 to be " delicate " feeders, as they require the manure and sod to be 

 thoroughly decayed for best results. 



Corn does well on land very rich in nitrogen, while small grain 

 would lodge on such a soil. Land can hardly be made too rich for 

 corn. The best natural corn lands are the rich black river bottoms 



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