GROWING FIELD CROPS IN SUGAR-BEET DISTRICTS. 3 



METHOD USED IN COLLECTING DATA. 



The survey method was used in collecting the data presented in 

 this bulletin. In many instances items were taken directly from 

 actual records; in other cases estimates were obtained. Experienced 

 investigators visited the farmers and held personal interviews. 

 Whenever any doubt was entertained as to the accuracy of a, record, 

 the data were discarded. The results obtained represent the ex- 

 perience of the better farmers in these districts and therefore show 

 the co mm on methods employed in the production of farm crops. 



SOD1 TYPES OF THE REGION. 



The soils of these districts are, as a rule, deficient in organic matter, 

 but high in available mineral plant food. Commercial fertilizers 

 are not generally used in these regions. Such experimental work as 

 has been done with prepared fertilizers has not proved them profitable 

 for general use. The soil of different parts of these areas varies con- 

 siderably, but as a rule it is a sandy loam, most of it being well adapted 

 to the growth of such crops as alfalfa, sugar beets, beans, cantaloupes, 

 cucumbers, and small grains. The more sandy or open types of soil 

 are especially adapted to the growing of potatoes. 



The Bureau of Soils of the United States Department of Agricul- 

 ture has made soil surveys of areas in the Greeley and Rocky Ford 

 districts. 1 



Colorado fine sandy loam is the prevailing type of soil of the 

 Greeley district, but the range of soils is from the Colorado sand to 

 Colorado adobe. The Colorado fine sandy loam of the Greeley dis- 

 trict consists of a fine sandy loam of approximately 3 feet, underlain 

 by a heavier sandy loam which increases in clay and silt content as the 

 depth increases. The soil is well drained and free from seepage water. 



Agricultural methods are primarily the same for the same crop in 

 a given district, but the farmer tilling the soil that is less easily 

 handled must exercise greater care in its preparation and cultivation. 

 These soil variations also affect the selection of crops for the farm 

 and often determine the acreage of a particular crop to be grown. 

 The adobe and heavier soils require that greater ' care must be 

 taken in the preparation of the seed bed, and consequently they 

 oftentimes show a greater cost for producing the crops. 



In the Arkansas Valley 70 per cent of the area surveyed consists of 

 two soil types — the Fresno fine sandy loam and the Maricopa sandy 

 loam. The Fresno sandy loam has a fine silty texture, is yellowish in 

 color, and extends to a depth of 6 feet. This type of soil is especially 

 well adapted to the growth of row-tilled crops and those requiring a 

 good seed bed, as it is a soil that is not inclined to bake or crust and 



i Holmes, J. G., and Neill, N. P. Soil Survey of the Greeley area, Colorado. U. S.Dept. Agr., Bur. Soils, 

 Field Oper., 1904, p. 951-993, fig. 40. 1905. Lapham, II. H., and party. Soil survey of the lower Arkansas 

 Valley, Colorado. IT. S. Dept. Agr., Bur. Soils, Field Oper., 1902, p. 729-776, pi. 46, 53, 3 folding maps. 

 [1903.] 



