236 FIELD CROPS 



The accompanying diagram shows that the greater part 

 of the rye crop is produced in a few states, the first five 

 mentioned producing 60 per cent of the total crop. The 

 remainder of the crop is scattered over a number of 

 states, most of which are northern. The highest average 

 production to the acre is that recorded in Montana, 21.3 

 bushels. Idaho, Wyoming, and Washington all show 

 high acre yields, but none of these states is an important 

 producer of this crop. Of the states where rye is important, 

 the highest yields are those of Minnesota, 18.5 bushels to the 

 acre, and Iowa, 17.5 bushels. The highest value to the acre 

 is reported from Montana, $14.61, and the lowest from Kan- 



23.05% 



Fig. 78. The percentage of the rye crop of the United States grown in the 

 'states of largest production, 1902-1911. 



sas, $8.11. The value of an acre of rye in Pennsylvania is 

 $11.13, and in Wisconsin $11.02. 



292. Growing the Crop. Rye will grow on rather poorer 

 soils than the other cereals, and is frequently planted on 

 land which is low in fertility or which is not in good condi- 

 tion to produce crops, such as that which is just being brought 

 into cultivation. Materially increased yields are obtained by 

 growing this crop on good soil and in a well prepared seed 

 bed. The best yields are obtained from loam soils which 

 are quite fertile. The seed bed for winter rye should be pre- 

 pared by plowing some time previous to sowing, as early 

 as August 1, if it is possible to remove the previous crop by 



