The third column of this table gives the actual average acreage of ‘ 
all these crops as found on the 378 owner farms (in percentage). 
It is seen that they represent very nearly the rotation outlined above. — 
In the next column is given what the data obtained in this survey — 
would indicate to be a somewhat better form of this rotation for — 
the average farm in this region. We have seen (Table X) that the 
acreage of corn might be increased to advantage. We have also seen 
that oats are not profitable here. In this rotation the oat crop is 
replaced by corn. Many farmers, especially those who have silos, have _ 
already made this change, and in general their profits are considerably — 
above the average for the region. But this form of rotation, while it 
1S an improvement over the old, does not entirely meet the require- 
ments of the most profitable system as indicated by the results of this 
survey. The area of wheat is a little too large, while that of hay is — 
somewhat smaller than it should be for best results under average local 
conditions. It is also difficult to sow so large an area of wheat after 
corn unless the corn is cut for silage. The soil can not be put in 
proper condition, the sowing is frequently late, and the land is not left 
in the best of condition for the succeeding hay crops. 
The 6-year rotation outlined in the last portion of Table XLIX 
appears to meet exactly the condition for greatest profit under aver- 
age farm conditions in this region. It gives 334 per cent of corn acre- 
age, which is within the limits indicated to be the most profitable by 
the data given in Table X. It gives 163 per cent of wheat acreage, 
which is almost the same as the present community average, and 
which, as we have already seen, is within the limits of the most — 
profitable acreage for this crop in this locality. It gives 44 per cent 
of hay acreage, which is exactly equal to the present average, and 
which is also within the limits indicated to be most profitable for 
hay under average conditions in this region. The per cent of potato 
acreage is the same as the present average. 
The annual hay crop occurring in the third year of this rotation 
presents somewhat of a problem. There are several possibilities to 
be considered. Oats might occupy this place. They can be cut for 
hay in the milk stage and make hay of very good quality. 
Another possibility is oats and Canadian field peas, though this © 
region is somewhat too far south for success with this combination — 
unless the planting is done very early. Cowpeas, another possibility, 
are not adapted to heavy soils this far north. . 
Everything considered, the authors are of opinion that after the 
farmers have learned the management of the crop, soy beans would > 
be decidedly the best annual crop in this 6-year rotation. It is” 
much more dependable than cowpeas. The hay is rich in nitrogen 
and would thus considerably reduce the amount of concentrated feed _ 
4 
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y | 
84 BULLETIN 341, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. | 
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