58 



FARM CROPS 



following table, arranged by Dr. Jordan, gives us 

 a vivid explanation in this respect: 



It is readily seen from the table that alfalfa and 

 corn produce nearly twice as much digestible 

 nutrients as timothy, which is of considerable im- 

 portance, especially when good tillable land is not 

 readily available. 



Soil Improvement in Relation to Crops Grown. — 

 A good farmer should always be thinking of im- 

 proving his soil. This is wise not only for pos- 

 terity but immediate crop production as well. 



Crops that may be termed soil depleters should 

 be grown as infrequently as possible. Since the 

 leguminous crops add nitrogen to the soil and at 

 the same time are the best sources for protein sup- 

 ply, it follows that they should receive primary at- 

 tention in every system of crop rotation. We want 

 crops that will furnish the largest quantities of 

 needed nutrients and at the same time that will 

 improve the soil. The clovers, the cowpea and al- 

 falfa will be more extensively grown in the future 

 and will occupy a much more important place in 

 every system of farming than is now accorded them. 



