282 CROP ROTATION 



Local Rotations. — ^Through members of the class make a survey of a 

 number of farms and determine just what rotations 'are practiced. Study 

 each as to the problems of soil maintenance, weeds, msects, diseases, tillage, 

 income, etc. 



Rotation projects may be started to solve one or several of these problems. 

 Select the problems of economic importance in the region, and conduct such 

 rotation of crops as to help solve the most difficult problems. 



QUESTIONS 



1 . What is meant by crop rotation? Illustrate. 



2. Distinguish between "fixed" and "definite" rotations. Illustrate. Which 



of these is the more common? Why? 



3. What is meant by "one crop system"? 



4. What is the prime object of crop rotation? How is this brought about? 



5. Explain how crop rotation may control certain insects and plant diseases. 



Give illustrations. 



6. How may crop rotation affect the supply of soil organic matter? 



7. Tell how a good rotation affects tilth. Illustrate. 



8. Discuss rotation in relation to the conservation of fertilizing elements. 



9. In what way may rotation be advantageous in liming and in fertihzation? 



10. In what way is rotation an aid in weed control? 



11. Discuss the effect of a good rotation on soil fertihty. (a) As a factor in 



maintaining fertility. (6) As a factor in increasing fertility. 



12. Can crop rotation in itself maintain fertility or take the place of fertil- 



izers? Explain. 



13. What are the factors to be considered in maintaining soil fertihty? 



14. Are the beneficial effects of rotation due simply to a change of crops? 



15. Name and discuss the factors determining a good rotation. 



16. Tell of the importance of a good rotation in soil improvement. In this 



respect, what are the advantages of a short rotation? What important 

 factor should be considered in planning a rotation for soil improvement? 



17. Name in the order of their importance the crops grown in your state, and 



give some practical rotations in which these crops may be grown. 



18. Name the states which lead in the growing of the following crops — corn, 



cotton, winter wheat, late potatoes, spring oats, spring wheat, sugar 

 beets, tobacco, alfalfa and green peas. 



19. What are some of the points to bear in mind in planning rotations for 



truck farming and vegetable growing? 



20. For an outHne summary of tins chapter see table of contents. 



