206 SOILS AND PLANT LIFE 



have been responsible for this. However, after only a 

 few years, it is found necessary to introduce some system 

 of " rotation," or succession of crops, which will keep up 

 the physical condition and as far as possible the fertility 

 of the soil. 



In the older grain states, particularly those of the great 

 central valley, a five-year rotation is often recommended 

 as follows : 



First Year, Corn. 

 Second Year, Oats. 

 Third Year, Wheat. 



Fourth and Fifth Years, Timothy and Clover which 

 have been sown in the wheat the third year. 



In those sections of the country, which are given over 

 largely to the production of corn, corn is often grown two 

 years in succession. Oats are sown in the cornstalks the 

 following spring, for the soil is well settled, making a firm 

 seed bed, which is highly desirable. Wheat with which 

 timothy is sown follows the oats ; and clover is sown in the 

 wheat field in the spring. The young clover takes pos- 

 session of the land after the wheat is removed, yields a full 

 crop the following year, and the ground is plowed in the fall. 

 The sixth spring, the field goes back into corn again. 



Sometimes this rotation is shortened by omitting the 

 oats. Wheat then follows corn. If winter wheat is 

 grown, the corn may be cut for fodder or for silage, or the 

 wheat may be sown between the corn rows with a one- 

 horse drill. Spring wheat is so^vn with larger drills 

 after the cornstalks have been cut or broken down in the 

 spring. 



141. The Seed Bed and how to prepare it. — Successful 

 growers of small grains have learned that these crops 



