iv] WHEAT 43 



once, so that the farmer need not apply it until he is sure it is 

 absolutely necessary. 



(c) For wheat following wheat or oats. This is sometimes 

 considered bad husbandry and was indeed forbidden in many 

 old leases. But the introduction of artificial fertilisers has 

 altered the case and if the land is kept properly clean it can be 

 made to carry an indefinite number of wheat crops without 

 coming to grief; the Broadbalk field, for example, is now carry- 

 ing its seventy-second crop and looking very well. 



This fact has met with legal recognition, and the farmer may 

 grow corn crops as often as he likes (and indeed any other crop) 

 notwithstanding any local custom or clause in his agreement, 

 provided he puts back into the land the manurial equivalent of 

 what he removes 1 : these quantities are given later (p. 46). 



Phosphates. If an ample dressing of phosphate has been 

 given to the preceding crop there will probably be little need for 

 more for the wheat. Seeds, however, do not usually receive 

 much phosphate, and the succeeding wheat may require it. 

 Phosphates promote root development through the winter, and 

 hasten ripening, and therefore are useful in districts where the 

 harvest is apt to come late: they are also wanted for spring 

 wheat. Superphosphate is usually best, slag or bone meal also 

 serve; whichever is chosen should be applied in the autumn. 



Potash is only rarely needed. In the Wiltshire experiments 2 

 it was found necessary, and on thin land it is helpful. In these 

 cases lack of potash may be remedied by a dressing of dung and 

 a top dressing of salt in the spring. 



Wheat responds very well to kindly treatment. Under the 

 ordinary four course shift the Rothamsted soil gives about 27 

 bushels per acre; with suitable artificials this is forced up to 

 40 bushels. The soil is not peculiar: it resembles considerable 

 areas of land in the country. Low yields may be due to the soil 

 or the climate: to a great extent the soil deficiencies can be 

 overcome but the climate cannot. There is therefore a limit set 

 by the natural conditions, beyond which the yield will not increase 

 except by growing the wheat as a garden plant. 



1 By the Agricultural Holdings Act of 1906, Section 3(1). 

 a Wilts Reports, 1908-9. 



