14 BULLETIN 32, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



METHODS OF IMPROVEMENT USE© ON THE SECOND FIELD. 



On account of his success in bringing up the first field Mr. English 

 decided to try another field. This time he concluded not to wait to 

 prepare the land before getting any crop, but to grow regular crops 

 and accomplish the improvement at the same time. He depended 

 on the many crops of goldenrod and other weeds which had grown 

 up, died, and decayed on this land to supply the humus for at least 

 one crop. 



In the fall of 1910, after picking up the stones, he plowed 11 acres 

 of this old unproductive pasture. In the spring of 1911 all remain- 

 ing stones were removed, thorough preparation given, and potatoes 

 planted about June 20. At the time of planting 500 pounds of fer- 

 tilizer per acre were used. The early part of the season was very dry, 

 and growth was relatively slow. In August rains came, the potatoes 



Fig. 2. — The 11-acre field of potatoes on the hill farm of M. J. English. 



with figure 3. 



Compare 



began to grow luxuriantly, and on September 14, the date of the first 

 killing frost, they looked extremely well. (See fig. 2.) The late 

 date of planting, the rather unfavorable weather in the early part of 

 the growing season, and the early killing frost all combined to re- 

 duce the yield, but in spite of the untoward conditions about 120 

 bushels of potatoes per acre were produced. These, selling at $1 per 

 bushel, gave a profitable crop. The next season this land was limed, 

 acid phosphate used, and oats sowed. 



A DEFINITE ROTATION FOR UPLANDS. 



Mr. English's plan of handling his upland is a 3-year rotation of 

 potatoes, oats, and clover. Clover is used to furnish pasture, organic 

 matter, and nitrogen. Lime is used with seedings of oats to secure 



