18 
BULLETIX 425, U. S. DEPARTMENT 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 fertilizers, 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. 
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Fig. 9. — Good crop yields are generally maintained on well-developed live-stock farms. 
The most desirable as well as the most common rotation of this 
district consists largely of gram, legumes, and intertilled crops. 
These crops are usually grown in a three or a four year rotation, as 
follows : 
Three-year rotation. 
Four-vear rotation. 
* 
Grain 
Grain. 
Hay 
Hav. 
Third year 
Intertilled crops 
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 hi the choice of crops. For example, 
the small-grain crop may consist of oats, wheat, rye, or bailey; the 
hay crop usually consists of clover and timothy; and the intertilled 
