18 



BULLETIN" 425, U. S. DEPAETMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



There appears to be no relation between crop yields and crop area^ 

 as crop area is practically the same for each group. The larger yields 

 were not due to commercial fertihzers, as practically none are used 

 in this district. 



These yields were doubtless brought about in large part through 

 richer soil, more carefully selected seed, and better cultural methods. 

 Whatever the cause, the fact is evident that large crop yields greatly 

 increase the farmer^s income. (See fig. 9.) 



CROPPING SYSTEMS AND ROTATIONS. 



In the more recently settled sections of the cut-over district the 

 cropping systems vary greatly. On the newer farms there is often 

 no definite crop rotation, but quite definite rotations well adapted 

 to the district are common on the more successful of the older farms. 



Fig. 9.— Good crop yields are 



maintained on well-developed live-stock farms. 



The most desirable as well as the most common rotation of this 

 district consists largely of grain, legumes, and intertilled crops. 

 These crops are usually grown in a three or a four year rotation, as 

 follows: 



Three-year rotation. 



Four-year rotation. 



First year... 

 Second year. 

 Third year . . 

 Fourth year. 



Grain 



Hay 



Intertilled crops. 



Grain. 



Hay. 



Hay or pasture. 



Intertilled crops. 



In case of an abundance of pasture on undeveloped land, the three- 

 year rotation is in general use. 



With either of these rotations as a foundation, opportunity is 

 offered for considerable variation in the choice of crops. For example, 

 the small-grain crop may consist of oats, wheat, rye, or barley; the 

 hay crop usually consists of clover and timothy; and the intertilled 



