+----------------------------+
PLOT 8. | Nothing. |
| |
+----------------------------+

+----------------------------+
PLOT 9. | Muriate of Potash 8 lbs. |
| Acid Phosphate 16 " |
+----------------------------+

+----------------------------+
PLOT 10. | Nitrate of Soda 8 lbs. |
| Acid Phosphate 16 " |
| Muriate of Potash 8 " |
+----------------------------+

If the amount of fertilizer is too small to distribute evenly over the
plot, mix it thoroughly with a few quarts of dry earth or sand to give
it more bulk and then apply it.

In the use of fertilizers it should always be remembered that small
crops are not always due to lack of plant food, but may be caused by
an absence of the other conditions necessary for root growth and
development. The soil may not be sufficiently moist to properly supply
the plants with water. Too much water may check ventilation. Poor
tillage may check root development. Unless the physical conditions are
right the possible effects of additional plant food in the form of
fertilizers are greatly diminished. The farmer who gets the largest
return from fertilizers is the one who gives greatest attention to the
physical properties of the soil. He makes use of organic matter and is
very thorough in his methods of tillage. Every farmer should apply to
his State Experiment Station for bulletins on the subject of
fertilizers.

CHAPTER XXIV

THE ROTATION OF CROPS

SYSTEMS OF CROPPING

There are two methods or systems of cropping the soil:

The One Crop System, or the continuous cropping of the soil year after
year with one kind of crop.

The Rotation of Crops or the selection of a given number of different
crops and growing them in regular order.

The purpose of this chapter is to inquire into the effect of these two
systems of cropping:

On the soil conditions necessary for the best growth and development
of the crops.

On the market value of the crops.

On the increase of or the protection from injurious diseases and
insects.

On the distribution of labor throughout the year.

On the caring for farm stock.

On the providing for home supplies.

This inquiry and the conclusion will be based on the following facts
learned in the foregoing chapter