GENERAL AGRICULTURE AND CLIMATE. - 69 
as ensilage. The hay crop is usually stored in the barn or 
stacked, and used mainly as feed for stock. In the production 
of crops, modern machinery is in use, and the tractor is quite 
common in most parts of the county. It is considered desirable 
to plow heavy land in the fall if it is possible to do so, but on 
light, sandy soils spring plowing is preferable. On almost all 
farms a rotation of crops is practiced, although not always the 
one which is best suited to conditions prevailing on the farm. 
The heavy soils of the Superior series require careful tillage 
and must be plowed when the moisture conditions are most 
favorable in order to prevent the formation of clods. Heavy 
tools and work stock are needed on this land, but when culti¬ 
vated under proper conditions but little difficulty is experienced ' 
in securing a good seed bed. 
In the cultivation of marsh soils which are beginning to be 
improved, the use of a roller for compacting the peat is very 
important. The roller is also an implement which can be used 
to advantage on the sandy soils, and the corrugated roller is 
especially desirable. 
LIMING.* 
Outagamie County lies in part within the glaciated limestone 
region of Wisconsin, and a considerable proportion of the soils 
have been derived in part from limestone material. The sub¬ 
soil of most of the types is well supplied with lime, and the 
surface of the soil in many places is neutral or only very 
slightly acid; in fact, many tests for acidity have been made 
where the soil does not show any reaction whatever. The types 
which are most apt to show an acid reaction are soils of the 
Antigo series, Whitman series, Coloma series, and the peat, soils. 
Where the peat is surrounded by soils of the Superior series, 
the least acidity in marshes is found. 
The degree of acidity is somewhat variable, and each farmer 
may find a variation in acidity on his farm. It is essential, 
therefore, that every farm should have his various fields tested 
before making an expenditure for lime. The county agent can 
do this, or samples may be sent to the Soils Department of the 
University where free tests will be made. Failure of clover 
and alfalfa or a growth of sorrel may be an indication of acidity. 
■►See Bulletin No. 312 Wisconsin Experiment Station. 
