6 a i é
es
137
643
THS
SO1L FERTILITY PROBLEMS AND
HLH DUE VARK NAY NAY
UVR Na RENN ARN ACB SAL
THESIS FOR DEGREE OF M. S.
LEWIS HUNT VANWORMER
Rs
a = 2
—
THESIS
[2]
| WN
yaa
-
ge
—_ wee .
30IL FERTILITY PROBLEMS
AWD
AGRICULTSRKAL COKDITICONS
Or
3
JOSaPui COUNTY,
Q2
MICH GA.
Tilpsis for DPeGkos of k. S.
Lewis Hunt VanWormer
Te
I9I?
{37
43
THS
S16) PeRrILicy F&F
. : . ‘ ’ —_~ : . —
i OnE BnviLiezy reepme: ss “25 AGEITGULITUR wae
L n ‘33 AGREICULLURAL CONDITICNS 6.
“TT h TOSI TP ULY UC yin ye Us
he ovr F CC “at, Licti dled:
=—_ pen wb ubidlerthig
“th TY 9
= Mm QA oayye “. Jay ° ° '
ww Nn Vo C s vives uo - — .~ . : 9
0 GOEL YO ey dics am the somthspnm vert cf |
~ --* oa ne he
Lover +. La rym a4 , , ”~ > , y= + - “o “ae
we , ema bisa Os VN es ow VY => fo. * ° ~
_ dew ee Yaa 3 v ‘ i ts Tr . 4 - hl. u)
Ooi, Aap | Poxi. .vwciy in ] Load:
rr +} arm * -4 4. 7 oN TN , ~ - eee
LOTUN Gru Lon vw. Che “Ato tree te vT 4. Soa We ae 7 4
“we, “SN ae vee we ® ak is Lon: tyiid “ye “Ny, 4. - ann aqat ya
Year Kel fans . 4 + 7 ‘ saeveie a Ode wi Torun
a) BOL “CQ VOVNu 2 ty Tee Oe : -
,e. wal oe ‘ i ' . . 7. ryln ct . , - . t:
9 Nd ae Se Nw ~bw WA ey dud qn °
9 Py 4 wa ads - wv 4 WU . ae
aah by Ge as Gowrie ena z by OF V1.8
, , ‘ . + 4 be . ’ on, oy whe - '
“ve t-te ~~ id wah On ’ a iQ meee tPF +t. Zs toes fm ~ o& yds “
T ab. ° ¥ Sieh My eee le US rade
ne © ris four ¢ ays . L TITANS.
ne Our LS OULrY COUT. DV awe ; yor oy woe four wont!
oa a a - - eet ee Sw ee Magis 4 VAS bd t ve
i { yn oO ‘one: ’ walk 4 . 9 . ren EO ae r
Livisions cont.in Ong sooth ik oe verve mile: es@aho cs the tuo
~ ». ate i) A, lah. : ra ' ao wP
3Q1 the 4+ 4 = . * see bee ges S 0
{ - ct." Lol . . . . :
SOuthern tlici OL 3 :c CLoORS cre isin Wet rete me tf: ea ut
anh re e og ieee Lee alles CLV S the UOunur
ae a O L T 1 } : ‘ Livy im) oO O of oy. : v
nm tel J over So toed 7 ~ oo SS e
ory
IN qs Lf ,. & - oa ~ .
: t — . ‘ - -~ ~ J f
ae es » Lb CS bo a GS 0D OC: 9 ‘i panne ary nm rae At naa att
~ vee 7 Seae ww A or wary i 4 Ns 43 3 7 ~ ,o
of a “lncicl revion. Se” - “reclerisvic
a tleeial recion. Ihe tovegmecig is for the ocst .irt
~ nix - 4? ~ . “Vv , ~ dene eg a a)
gently rolling, thoulh turts of Jheron, 2 - .
7 vw “U9 eee sted aot ew Ua ean. oo) ’ 1 dls co r: . old mt oe hi
« . - , as . - ws . : '
- veep mp “°° o 2 e . * Vek ae a . ba .
uO 1s l.1¢ i ai 2 *4tdd-- is or ea ™ LO - maa 4 32 ,., ..4 2 wn e yn L e
4 -Lasy eNO tb o..2 cultivotion difficult, wh:
171 nv Newt - Sa AN: _. 7 _ tt Uy toa
- towed Ay beet - 4 © L en enOm ' TF 1 r, ' fos tts a ee
- 4 . Lawn fe ww ee mV. yam Tt - L307 —-
L . _ J we Ce a ’ A FOYT wk o eu Me 1 |
a 3 0 {, j 1 cs a, . . naan a — oe a Bw ee
ad aH ase Mhovso ore macecrous lites « a ‘ed : Ub tL
V levies .cuttored «. out the County
mT Ty st ~ . Fad 4 wen
eee too uv Xe Le 1 yan a -“j]] 7 oO ~ DN omy 4. 2. “7
Ww “2. - Ne do aw Welk — Jk, ’ om 7 NY at “~ - 4.
O70 CK . . 5 " . a bee ee Lae ao Lee oh OTL Wo .. 3 acre vO
~« ‘ ° ~ a7 te a) an > . wT ts ~ + - -.* ;
Khiiisger linte im whlve Faseon wow.) 7) @coverin® tye ees
nile - Jonhip) eovorin® tec sys
MLLCS e ~
Me os cet . Cee a V. . . Lc .
The St. Cesert: river is tie orinciccl viter ecursa cf the
COU! + yr . : 1 i ° * «-™ , se Ne Gee TRE a in ts
' : °
oan “ - ye w5iwe.4 oo 7 ; eres o + * ,
TR; - » nd into this river cll tls < GPOLin GO Gi ue CPOUNt YT La
~ ome 77 ~ . 4 ~ 4 ?. ‘ “vV “oe
dak WO a iver nyt a ao : 7” moet 4 2, .. 7 i
Op utsrS b..t ‘ua mo Ger ‘5 os t, na
Cc 1 : a a Co vd be r aoe Wii (24. 'w) OTL ow C 10n Ore v4
olon ly) vi wt 5 “~ we fle os in emery tt - 4.°%
wake bbe we Coa : - -” me ry oral ws : - ore oom ~- .
nd lewd in a Cenoral southvecusrly Aircovicn
Ona Sr.te ris Lra cy 4 4° 7 yort -, ~ph1- +” ny ote ee - ~ 43
count 8 Imaicna a. t..G GxUPe. @ SON soe oon © corner cf “ts
r x ‘ “ a “ 3 449
wo, my tt A IT NGA . co. ™
“J 1-.@ TL inoiral Nortborn bromehes ore noek erechk one
_ - - a Sek a
Por re alo; owe . ' . .
iu a 4 Tey ~ 1 O Plows a 4°. ‘. cot - 4 °
i ro ~e a wl {Gi 3 . “ach d cut .. 29 Le WO L..,0 at ve woe he Hh Lu te rCo 5 ~\ aa e
Hhug civire the «sw to the eit 4 bing ¢ 2 aij
~QMLE a Hee alt Cram tha eoutha: mewn:
cre 5 Qa _ Y. ~ dary \? u wa we ob Vu e a4 Ml Low ae & hie ro rails:
Cr aT pom tts , . i ° a :
WY ae + 2 7 7 oe “ “ ‘ 4 . - ~ .. vet 4 toes 4a. °%. +
- wera la £ovon Vivetl wy Sah Mea Nt ~ ve Uervss tho. kb es he! wlokE til ‘ Cc
of ° nn sry irr 2 J OT .. ~“ «+e ; °
wai G OOurr: , ' 7 . \ * “7 yr 4G non an ‘) Ts 44. = , 41.7. : oe Ae = al.
po te ver bteo awl LVL Gros; 2H tS wouonct ale
L i4 oY ee rT tN tt -y - -e ° a, + t Te AS ~e *
pe - ow a Sa Maes. bare ea ty. 12000 Lo. _ ce: ~' - ©
N SOV AL Parus oO 2 FONE ete fort ro: tins cf ube
4 7d Woe teste 4. %- ys im a ° .
tO1e ML aot ‘ty UlD.au LAIVereluin. Preeti: ef’ mon. thir: .
. . ji , 1 “Oo 1 an ace ~ eee ee, ah tl
Awan? ve I L i U u sot pe ap IN, 1 cs O a - v wane eg ye ee he Jere ae ype 4 Je on
a sa en ‘ . - : . ae ' ¢ clo an 7: eat ea
as . , alate C: + Wh le ate we td ey my eat aoe Le X ty be il : OT. . tae ed
hy DAN rawr YN os S owee 4% «~ +5 om ~
eeu ¢ UT ¢ po. ry 3 “ (ve “= 7 , sya tT as o - 5 :
HELGE eM ea Me tae DAGLP Tok. Pp sovtiwoestorn Lickicen
(¢ ~ doa. gr
bi.e err] ‘T Clr, ' yun Ayan . .% at ~ 27 74 « 4° “« “
fore dh ¢ - : u \ *» ‘ wy oc ” - ~ -j 7 +
of Lt . ~Yy pdb, Wot 2 I Cts ane vena weak , C° wie ok aka LLL eae el keds e we
ull @ ry m . £ 7a oe NF 1 oT SA OY . - Xr 7 oes 7 ~~, r - 7) aaaes
| — ets oO we Ne a a4 maa an ..i -' 7 @ we ee iw Yaa Cc ib ed wie
ost fertil ae : wa 4
> ¥ 4 Lo lu > CY ; 3 1- CONS mI £. ~ an rf rl + sw Ff a
4 4} rijile of the lend end are believed to nave becn vege-
; ~. 7 49.
QAOoOLGQ ane: ‘on STAT ] J teas 4 oe ~ ad Ls Rood fe, -
G “PLS 2allliS Wow Le Sam 7, CO Lrlalel.ug Gl. oe ba. SOUTL Uy
vet ey cow o4 < 2.7 hee. : . ~ .
We OD ©. a) “374 cope] ems ye “a3 or Re a, 4. . a4 . * 4.
x ak we LC... la de Ge awsin Ravens yo ppt UC 7 Wot re. week Og ult we Lie)
ayn, YY
-.e-lLie
.7 . 4 PP tN a) ’ 7 7
wn a 4t 1 ‘ ™ ~, 4. 1. 7, 47 T « - 7 awawn ~ . ~ . 5 - a.
ak eC Poo fether Ls sntle ara so..¢e COMpenions eroscs.:d wt!
c a wy a? 1 q , ° 7
>) “Ui, ua AYN a -~ o™ we my ~ © sty 4 r ated ~-j +7 ; TT 5 + 4 a + ' 5
. w hod Ne wont ls . ae ers eo Ue ho x veut’ mae Tah ve 1 Jor O we ye OL Uy @ ok S&S
5 2: 7 4 ! 5 8
uri 0 7 mo fore, ma + mae FAA tlie 4 1 oye nt T - of
a. oo “ ‘ 4 sae , le Lk a u | wk di aoa weaaus YU 15 We a ww We cose 2h COV
en wy . ° . ~
ay { 1} at "47 + “s, vse. oor } - 7 L AS. ew vo. -~ . ~ . d. Pr
vist Tt Le sulte sossible bin Lier” GOUC.LC d SOuUe pure OL vie C
‘Live f aw t an . Wer 2 nN 4 t ~~ oY, 7 © 4
aad os N ] ae op yoy root oy 4 te. , ay tee tate es +
. Li u wea br sad \ Lol Or Ui wai LUD ~ Coke LO Case COU og ore rel
-y . ° : :
GLO Ola ro sO}: bla tit T. --} mya7 + “ tant t
SOLO OT it is vrobihbis tht ot. vesepn cole vy woe Visi ted
abu £pcue cine sn tow Ty Py ht at FA ont kt . .
ant . . vise Oe Lie LM vse LAaAYrvics, Se tuaels bowen COrl1
nto the county from “ew Yortz, Chio and Fo
2. Y : ’ ' mT “5 asul - -
oa vw Li Oo: vd i 4dong UL.1L0O - Whaaie venis, CO! Lal
Ives r~ AT , T q , 3 .
ty ° \ d C " TAR ~ - tT. 4 — ‘. Va \ -
dy ve ey OL v..€ Ow L1:LC tt r pe ‘Ag ome ao 15 ao ge OLS of tre wee dd
Y; eer I = anya - mer Pr 4... ! ~ Ld =< wT
ome ~rea youen. 7 ™ ry 5 “Tt
l \ + . . - = o 7 =
TOWN NAT SS Or Wr Couns. an Loo lr. Sorrport cathtes n
= i 4 4° “ss . L ;
wWhiea ~ ct 1 rot tan se 7 5 cyt * - 7 ~
ac tw ww | 1 yo moet Vad coc . or =f at 2, ~! CG od 7
: Cone vile Jana vee to ek Ck a4dWV ooo a oe hag 1LOL ak one 2OLOM, sow SmoOusy
e . ~ - 7h
} ae y ‘- ” .- be : wom .
; ‘ a . — s+ . foe, 1 ~ = - : 407 2
ene “ ~ Ul iS al ® wu O1LT) ee Uh GLUT t Co ela kha -- ore Au Lod Ci) Se
. . , - ae
ri sw rrr wf HW 4 _ my Tey TNT 7 nN ~* and - . - ;
. x 28 - -~ 4.) 5 3 4
soe ° 2 VOLCOM Une goede SOT) Te Lives on OULD walpurePive
~ oe OV Awe en ee tn st
of - 0 GAVE LOVES -- 4 , e
TY. .4 +3... Jo -ys f ’ 7
bake \ .2 are eo oes ae. Negus L. i re, woe Oe iaw oY °
mm a 4 c wh ~ ty cl XL Siw oo. ~ . ’ ~~ ba | t+ 7 Cc oo Loreen Usd a i Csi wee j or
oar a) AVY % Tr Ge ae =r Te LN FA 6 OL 8 : a "
seventy or ¢ bur wtaspe le the fas cee ee we dean bt
~. -- VY v7 . @ ee eed lu weal a Loe 7) 2? woesd ts womb ks oe Sl uO
” - - .
mate anv daf 4 wet vy t Lay g. + 2
Tome .* C i 7. r) . Or aan NGM te Ar fo Sa >
, 4. Vv ri ~~ ini wl 2 Wee , se " ere vO a L ... ww ill eee A Va, or C20. 7
/ ~ rm Ur .- 11 . ~ sa, ~ l . ne <. ”* - _2 ~ % a - i I. _
YicLlas, Ua More Ok hn Tlf LGiCS WO SAS Sl I eo
vane nm. fa as
fr WN ltr T - ~™ ach O7> rl ~ s * 4
Tt > : Sas mn : ~ + - * - : a
ur ‘er ue aw) ve osteo . Wane 2 LA in 4 Loin Oz Li Cen y me “s L1ioV. OTL lite 7
o a 4.7. . . 4s & J To.
considered ons of tho out fertils a4 erosecrous Yoocdines
— -- vr] - » vw s ie :
: 2 + “ "Cy
ey wa = i % - ir vT 4. - - - too ~ ‘
1 QO; \ 2 i ps wt 7 Ss NTe ny 7, ve oo 4 ere, oe voy. wees 1
- 6 LO a2 Ot MD me md ty a LS e 4 U ee ba te aid = ud CTY YS ke Ve auue ‘a Le CoD al ae ry De a o
5 43. ;
U1 | : '
v - o>
sho: ra wWr7rTr Let 7 TO wary an: y yy 71 “) , ~ fs \ 4. 1
oa ae . shed L Y Aad Kl akan Nt ‘ - 9 sah . ( oN A Mpa te “ 1. eit ca Ce ' 4
ey Oe we, “Sy. 4 ny 2 eee ne “yo nm 7ae t aa - +. 4 SN.
4 v1 ak ~ we OL i eC. Net ae OT: a ww ? Lae ae iL wha \ uULO US \ ae Uli. ba y. Q
wen ~* + nd .
‘ \ . ra 7 es t rye t nvrT oo can Ll “os 4 ~“@ Be, ., - — ve 4 . ~ = ~ 4 ‘
vi] Lou ee. os a1 & a. os 9 Cot aa on Ve! ~ ke Ce a oD e Vio Le a aon Lore ee 5..0
abeorndons:d for.
~ = Je = he wad -@
ae L ° ~~ J. : e mo
iy - . Mid]e 7 eN ~ oS ty EN TAN Dt Te 7 L "7 yore s 1 eaarras wy. ¢
LI.G op... eval Cl WMaars Gy Lay Ow f bet SJ gird e Ahi 3
% ~
Yr - ON ps raat. soos ge Lit aro - 4 a a le aye 4. ra eae + fe Sos w- 7 -~ ye so
ru rpwoYy we me a NY w Were be wooly ew L v 2. .OL eC o VAS thee ty 1 t:. Uy pe ateld Uso
wae l -. a . tee “ “A . ~ an “27 8 —— i - 1 . 2 2. - ° 4
, : . - * ~ at a sy ; ma, es - oo « -
POD. ww We Lon wt oC ke oO atie 9*~ fw e Lee oS vec. L5 v1! le oe Ww LLu5 re Sincd ro we woo
oat ow i LS TOY Wop: = aS (. oes ce -- 4 A nee cy ee +
Lorary, im leva being woytue, Ouss county on the weet od
i?
3 -
B 5 , ye a~-t mA Ae OY: te ~ a a - ~ Nanas 4
ra: ach Ore) Mt ae AL YL wale 6 =, os lv Maas. pik S wees AG no} Ga, LLe Nave Loe Ubet Lon
on
. . A” we
for the lait 40 veer.
Ow
aureé Hivers, a city of £Cce0 Lopulation, is the yrinci:cl
town of the courty, Sturgis, Colon and tonstes ling hove coie
eenufacturing incuctrics, In adliticn to these, Certervills,
the county sent, London, White Pigccon ava coever.l other
; S er
Villaces are Sinbribcting Cenuar. ror Porm: achinery and coneral
Sungvlics,
eee county hc an execllent systven ef reilresds, furnisi ivz
Ceodm und acecsnible carious for the ireduets ef the far. The
Air Linc of the 2. i@hagen Glyevel puns thaicngh tre county fro:
. 5 to vest near the eunvcr, goining the .:ain line at Niles
r services to
Mow Yorke
for direct Shipient Oo Chi CEO y ond at caciicon f
yetroit ard th st Lhe crn brench of
Central passes throu lh the outhe ‘rn rart of the county, at
b co
®
r c ,é Wf,
aaXvs Glens Ue bis ba
PU awe srl
Raanea cd fawn te wext AW Ann t4KT ATV 1) x ;
UL a Liu de 4 .C ot CO. -Lee Tro ‘ Wa oe Sik
vere e .
Fe AA ayy
eis. A
4
wiite Pir COM it 1.ecus the Gran
nanids tur Boh wcla:.az00 and rimning the Full len th of the
county, north and south. This road frvrnishes airsin line con-
nection with Chie:to, ateut 150 miles away, OY in the other di-
rection with Toledo, "clevel end and the eastern strves., The
3
4a re _ - ~ _ oo. cs een ay o 42. 7 >) “ mews
atile Cressi, “4 Tov wiles west of this, b.@ Ge tte w& L pass
thpoush the county from north to south, connection with k
Battle Creet: brenech of the Michignn Central pesses threuch the
eastern part of th rour.ty connectins vith the :-ain line at
aS
aa
éamazoo and the resort section of northe cn Liichigan ana poscing
south to Fort Wayne and the ev stern pact of Indiana.
Cul.aAt
Heat urd colsture arc the :ist centroelling condaiti
of plant growth. Glin.atic conditions control and lcarge
determine what crors can te trefitebis sre:n in 1. give
The wactors usual nticned os constituting cli:.nte a
asl L
S
oe
> n
Ly ric 14
il ani vincs. In the rrecent ense oud
, }
pereture, raint n r and is of
. . + . oc = . od os - yt any sa ON 8H, NS, 3
lit le iaportenc excert as it rai influcrce temrs ‘rature,
5 mManwapMR os ak 4. SA ~ a ae a --, 7 an wv
especially in the ecvrins. Av tn 8s tine a lorg period of rre-
~— ‘ err af 4%. yam “oro in et 7“ so . nna os ote 77
vailing north winds te. pOee® ulic ver penewe S0 68 to delar ox
11
injure cron growth, ‘WJith:i crd te rainfell, nov only
amount but its distris tion Theo ch Lie ere ine seocon is
important. As to the amount, the "reinfeil" as irri cation we
transfor:.s the arid descrts of the west into luxurious oearden:
>
*
a ce
AS to seasonal Obert be ony en evcess in tie srring hinders
the Fariier in plarting his crops, while a darovgent in culy end
Auguse Will ingere ee Pay ruin the potato and corn crop. re-
garding te: peraunre, the .tem annual terper.tuvs furnishes
little information to the ulvrplovileris: ve is the extrecesc of
"SON VWNLch
4. -
u ww
ati: ~~ ~s ~ ye 3 47 sNOs - ty aN oe 7 tH ms wor, :
temperature, toguticr with the lengon or the «reli soars
: +e ~ * NO ATT + mC’ r mot
determines the cron pessibilities of a rovicn
~ Oo e985 ~ . 4 oc; 7. Lage af o~ Pa * ~ we
Tho following tenle, corpilced fron the recerds of the
“7 ~. 7 o- “ys er mY 4. eee ye my m™ yee 4. 9, ~ ek : 5 r cut pl oa;
aenthe - ad. mou ce \a sé wea tdy LAOS Le 1: or. al Oat obly mek Quint: al
oN, -, +, co ~~ + ~~ ; mT es oot s, + a6 > - -0e T- wy oon
terrorntvure cid sep: eci pictaticn. wQoGOL 15 4 bon JS1Les er et
of the ecnter of the county.
77 . ~TcT or ws 2 sete TUT pa at ess wR RS Tha cout
al Orre fb TiOlT taddal naw fan ibe fda de oda. we ike Nee bad he Ue CIFI das ‘Lol. e
7 Laan nan . 4,4 2 tn TO - Lo : - ‘
onth eo “Le ture Precivi Lavlon Pontn 2 ore. ure Preciv-
=o 77 . i. nd
I ineles py inwiteticn
IR ~- cy A so mr? . rT or ™
January but e L -~4 @ { Jils ke @ 1 A @ O (
7 a6, ~ .) - : mo - ~ “o ~ ~
fe CUAL brn ev) re@dD AUSNST 62 oO ec A
Te, ote 7 - - or
Woreh VW De tel 9Ert Ee Cet Wwe al
avril 45.27 ~ el Cetober 5S.
+ -
7 r .
2G c/U ev:
dune 66.0 7 e@O4 Bbeee bercs.1 267
Yeo 47.9 o4.Go
In the toble below ere given the dites of the last t:illins
frosts in the sprins «nd the first in the reil, The average
erowirg season is abeut one hundred and sixty days, or so: eth nn
“Ore thon five nonths, Phesc date were abuein ied by the &. 3S.
vevartrent of Agriculture Veatvher sureau OCtxtion hi ented ot Waseci,
Jato Of Pinot AND LAST wILLING 31.0575, :
Yeer Tcet in First in Yooar le.st in first in
aorin: fall opring fell
L900 Le aod Cet, LvYth 1903 1.2ay lst Cot, s4th,
L901 april sOth Oct. ore 1204 4 vil mend oent. fo.
1902 Arril 20th Oct. loth. avereve Avril wth et, llth
— ae ee ee
“ot vcr mr rT
ngil cau tb Ul ide
General one ans is t::@ 3: cin octupation of the county,
as it hes be Sines its sevttlerent. The older clecred Len
has been under cultivation for eighty or ninety years. ‘this
part of isichigan was long known as the whest belt. Wheat was
raised more extensively than any other crop, often yesr after
year on the sw.e lan On some of the preirie soils cf this
section it is ssid that one hclf cf the crovs re-oved have
been wheat. This is a very "exhaustive" practice and in all
parts of the county the soil bevins to show signs of soil
depetion. Stock raisins and dalring ere cerried on to soe
extent, but thes2 industries beth re jui considerable e:n-
ital and a cood surrly of crein and forage Bovh of these re-
2 e
quirers:ents are inclined to be Lissitins factors. Whe census
retort of 1910 shows that one half of the farts are :crtcased.,
Many of the ferrcrs ere unehle, fTinenelally to purchese fer-
tilize ro to beild un the lena or to raise a crop to use for
creer memire; thre the rroblss is to buila’ up the lena end yet
not loss the cash inmcoe..o frou the luna,
CIENT .*
bd ww un bus @
Tao soils of St, dgoescph county are derived from the
elecicl till which covers the cowl to wa we.t derth, This
matericl has bhoun .oftified viore or less by crosicn, the action
of the wind ond wo 2 groweh cera decoy ce veseuation., 2a Sleclier
which traversed this resion moved in a gencr 1 conuthvestsrly
dircetion s.d in eonoral whe ronces of hills and courses cf
.
Sure: & run in this 2irection. vie undorlying rocis h ve heen
i
iu
covered to a derth of a huntred vo sover.1 4 Named feou by the
glacial debris cv2 hive hod no influcnee on the for ation
of the soil. This vsterial wes trunsportea often for creat
distances by the slaciers, medified by the action of water ani
dcpesited cither in the former morains or as neurly level
Stretches of land. The he:vier soils are found alhost alto-
setrex in the northern part of the courty vhile soerds and sore
sendy loans occupy the Sonne part. Patches ck are
r
Scattered throushouw the unty but the only are
Size is in Florence towrehin in the southern hea
assifiection divided the soils
reiries, the bcech and ocple dird, and
hree somewhat siicll creas of rrarie
1 ere clesscd py the govermucnt as Cerrinm ston loan. the
ch and viaple land, lorgely if met ertirely belorgs to the
« - 4. . Hye. doe Ae 4 n+ ~ >
For the purpose of this siuvdy no atten t at a adcuviles
a
e = ‘ . s 4. A714 4. ene mer ‘ co, ’
Cclascifier tion of the soils into series sind types was 2 .adce
_. ~ . ‘ wc 4 4. a ae
m omuls clessificetion hesed uron tinker cid
1
<
3 OM
Or OO oO? ch?
OO lY
a
ct rs
rH re ch
a
r3
O
! c3 }
aed
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wleii series. In type it renges from a sind throwsh veo ious
phases of sendy loam to soe areas of silt loen. rhe land
O° Cc
6-4
Knovn as "Cax Openings" belongs largely to the Colo. serics,
though soe of it is probsbly Liaw. In the northorn par
of Totave and southern part of ..cndon tovnslhips is a lighter
type of the oak » a Sample of this soil was analyzed us
O
od
& lichter rhase of the ocak lend.
Thie method of classifying land is one iang in use by
settlers and yvractical farmers. In a county not yet settled
or newly settled the question of the agricultural velue of
lands, the fertility and the duretion ot fertility ore matters
of supreme importance. This need iiss lead the settlers to
make approximate estimations of value of land trom nstive
vegetation, especially tree crovth. Experienced men have been
able to make very accurate estimations or the value of land
where the tree especies were familiar. In some of the newer
states this method has been used to determine the market valve
and @lso the tax rates. In the long Leaf pine uplands of the
cotton states fertilization is absolutely necessary for paying
cultivation after two or three years cropping. should the
short leaved pine mingle with the Long, producticn may hold
out for five to seven years. If oaks and hickory are added,
twelve yeare profitable production may be locked for. Should
the long leef pine disappear altogether the farmer may hope
for twelve to fifteen years profitable production without
fertilization.
Similar estimates based on tree growth anc to some extent
on minor vegetation, are common throughout the county. in
Michigan “pine land" and “hard wood land" ere very definite
terms to anyone who knows anything about farm lands. We have
@ good iilustration of the correspondence of tree growth and
agricultural value in the Coloma sands of Allegan county. In
this county we have four types of tree growth on sand that
shows little or no difference in appearance. According to tree
erowth this land may be classiried as follows: (1) Hard wood
lend. (2) Hard wood ana Fine land. (3) Heavy pine lend.
(4) Buckwheat pine land. The “hard wood" lanc is an ex-
cellent peach soil and is good for plums, cherries and small
fruits generally. The county is thickly settled, the tarme
are small and carefully cultivated. The second and third phases
are each respectively of leas vslue. While the fourth class
covered wth a sparce crowth of small so chlled “buckwhest pine"
is practically worthless. The peech and the apple are 9 tailure,
the yield of farm crope is light and uncertain. June grera
dies out in sumer so it cannot ve useful tor grazing.
Since the vegetation of an area is due to plant adapta-
tion to climatic and soil conditions during’ s long period of
time, this method of soil classification seems 2 ressonable
One. The difference of plant adaptation on avujacent areas igs
due to the difference in topography or to the difference or
Chemical or physical properties of the soil, including the
subsoil perhaps to considerable depth. If a method of corre-
lating this difference of flore with climatic, chemical and
physicel differemces of the soll could vevorked out, a valur-
ble method of soil valuation would be developed. This is a
lerge problem and so far practically nothing has been done
Alone that iine. In 1857 Dr.Hilgard, then in wississippi, was
attracted to tris problem and did some work along this line.
However, the problem was of such vast size that one man could
Scarsely hone to do ore than to intelligently state it, ond very
SOIL ACIDITY.
On many of our long cultivated scils it has become
agifficult to grow red clover and impcossibdle to start a field
of alfalfa. cn nearly all of
Our acid scils, yet it will grow fulrly well cn lana that is
tcc scur to rais® alfaifa.
Tre individuality cf piants is very nceticeable in regard
to thelr tolerance of varying degrees of acia or alkali. In
Q@li Erooupility the sensioility is as great in regard to other
Plant growth. Some plants are xrown tc be very sensitive to
varying aegrees of neat ana moisture. Our present agricultural
Plants have reen modified aria developed oy civilized man, “cr
his use. The civilization of the world ras peen developed on
soil rich in lime and hence cfr an alkaline reaction, so our
important Plants have been deveicped on such soils and require
Similar conditions fcr voest development. This is particularly
true of alfalfa. This plant has oeen grown for years in the
alkalire West und new reluses tc grow in tue east unless it
can nave its favorite soil condition, an alkaline reaction.
CHRMICAL ANALYSIS OF SOILS.
Wnen the chemical analysis of scils was first started,
extravagant ncpes were entertained as to lts practical value,
It was tnougnt that a cnemist, voy analysis, coulda tell at
Once what crop a soll was adapted tO ana what fertiilizer was
needed. When these extravagant hopes were not realized the
whole subject was discredited. sven today its value is
scarcely realized.
Plant food exists in tne soll in two Tlorms, that which
is immediately avullable to tne plant ana tnat wnicn is beyond
the immediate reacn of tne plant. The amcunt of tne first
Claas determines tne immediate proaucing capacity or the scil,
Wilie tne amount OF tne latter aeteimines the permanent
producing value of tne soll.
Turing lute years mMucn attention and labor have deen
given to erforts tc aetermine tne availzupnle plant food ina
sOLl. Tris has veen an attemt to duplicate, in tne labora-
tory, witn laboratory solutions anu luwuooratory metnc ds, tne
action of plants on solls. Varicus alilute aciu sclutions
Nave veen used. The r2sults were then compared with field
experiments, scmetimes tnev agree, more often not. The prac-
tical value cf the iWetnods Muy ve yuestioned.
Here tne indlviduality of the plant comes into play,
and we find that infinite variation wnicn is present in all
Nature, Different plunts witn different root systems ana
Otner differences are adle to eatract aifferent amounts or
rood from the scil. The temperature, tne length of tne grow-
ing season, tne amount of meisture, the prysical conditions
Of the soil, the amount of orgenaic matter ana tne numver and
kind of bacteria present all affect the amount of food immediate-
ly available to the plant. The disccvery or a simple laboratcry
method tc cover akl tne factors 18 practically hopeless,
Many soil stuuents ar2 now turniig to the determination
of tne "permanent productive" value or scils. Tnis consists
of the determination ci tie total umount of plant nutrients
in tne soll. This inf: rmation nas peen compurea witn trials
in tne fleld. In this way it nas oveen poxysidvle to tix a
Miniimam for th: total amount of the varicus plant nutrients
necessary to a fertile soil. It hin 3250 Mage it possidle
to determine wi.ich element is likely tu become the Limiting
factor to orcfritavle crop proaucticn. Toere are ten elements
that ar2 absolutely necessary to tne z2rowtn or every plent,
several of these ar= abuniantly plentiful for all tne neeas
of grovning crops, nitrogen, pPnospnoris ara potassium do2ing
the only Ones usuaily consiuered in fertilizer problems,
Calcium anu Magnesium curvonates ar? used te correct acidity.
In this study I mMuae determinations of tne tutal amounts or
each of these five elements. Tie metnoas used were as follows:
NITHOGES
Ten crams Of soil were cigestea for four hours ina
Kjeldanl flask with 50 CC oF sulpnuriyv azid, 10 grams of
potassium suipnhute and 2 grams of copper sulphate. Tnls Wis
then neutralized, distilled and titrated as usual.
PHOSPHORUS.
For tnis element tne magnesium nitrate metnod for total
Phospnuorus as given in circulzr No. 43 or the U. S. Buieau ci
Chemlstry, was used.
POTASSIUM.
For potassium tne "J, Lawrence Smitn" mietnou of fusion
for total potasn was usced.
CaLCiUil ADD WAGHAGIUM,
For tne determinatiu., of these elements one gram of soll
was fused with a iwlxture OF souium and potassium carbonate.
Tne caleium Was precipitated a8 oxalate and estimated with
permanganate. Tne Magueslum Was tnen separated and Weigned
as Magnesium pyropnosphate.
DaSCRIPTiON OF SOILS.
Prairie Soil cr Carrington Loam,
The vrairie scil or Carrington lown scli consists ofa
dark brown to almost bdluck loan scil, to a deptn or 12 to 16
inches. In some places tnere was a high percentage of silt
present giving the scil a smooth frei. In otner places, there
les enough sand or fine gravel present to muxe the soil feel
gritty and a few stones occur along the vorder. The subdsoll
consists of a yellcwishn brown, somewhat mere colpact loam.
At about 24 inches there is a small amount of sand or flne
gravel. Tnis type is underlaid at no great deptn, by beds
Of sand or gravel, sometimes those beds are no deeber than
36 inches.
The prairie soil is an easy soil tu cultivate. If
plowed when comparatively ary, which is the most favorable
Lime, there is no aifficulty in securing a mellow seea bed.
If plowed wnen wet and allowed to Gry cut in furrow, large
clods are formed. after a slignt rain, these clods easily
pulverize under wie roller una tne scil can soon be Fut into
00a Physical condition,
Three areas of this prairie soil are found in the county.
One of these 1s scutn cf Mendon, in wendon aia NOtawWwa town-
snips. Another area is north cf White Pigeon in White Pigeon,
Constantine ana Florence townships. ‘The third area is found
around Sturgis. Tre village is8 ouillt on tnis soil, ana tne
area extends out in albL @1rections, into tne townsniss cf
Burr vak, Snerman and Fuwn kiver,
The surface of tne khendon prairie is Level uta it is
somewnat lower than tne surrounding country. Tne otner two
ar€as graae into the surrounding Burr Oak land with little
Change of elevation. a heavy zrowtn of wild grass originally
eovered tne prairie and the dark color of the soil and the
large amount of vegetable matter present is due to the decay
Of this annual growth.
The prairie s0il is uvueveted to general farming and stock
raising. Corn, wheat, Oats and hay are tne principal crops.
Yields of 45 busnels ci wneat nave been secured on this land,
This crop was formerly grown almost continucusly on tne same
field. Judging from the fields I saw last surier the yield
has fallen to from 15 to 25 ousnels per acre. “nls type is
excellent for grain farming or some branch Of stock farming
or for a combination of tne two.
Rach ssifple for analysis was taken in triplicate, being
in fact three separate Samples; one of the cuitivated land,
One of the virgin land nearby in an Ola fence row, or in tne
woods, and a third was of the sudsoll to the depth of avout
24 inches. The surface sumples were taken down to the change
in color. Tnis aepth varied from 6 incnes to about 15 inches.
For this prairie soil this cnange Was at 15 inches, Below is
given the analysis of the two samples Cr sets cf samples or
tnis soll analyzed.
I?
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF PRALKIE SOLL.
Soil N% PJ K% Cage Mg
4 cultiveted .079% 048635 L244 ~ 5049 2474
| ~O794% .O04969 £1,.2322 ~ 5049 2474,
el cultivated .1711 .0603 1.3340 » 488 . 2900
| ~L7LL .06053 1.4389 ~ 468
3 virgin ~L592 .0730 1.2848 ~5265 2746
01564 07464 1.3067 ~ 5065 2569
21 virgin 2202 .O715 1.4561 ~5821 35513
2202 ~0715 1.35743 ~5916 «3689
3 supnsoil 07860 ~04019 1.26443 ~5212 ~ 2916
~0780 04019 1.2773 ~5111 3137
21 audsoil .0768 204595 ~488
.0768 .04664
~ 453 Lost
Beech at Maple Soil.
This type of soil covers practically all cf the towisnipz
Of Leonidas, the nortnern part of Mendon and Park and nearly
wil of Flowerfield und Fabius townships. The topograpny is
undulating to rolling in Leoniaas, Mendon and Park townships,
wnile in western Flowerfield ana Fabius it is rough and hilly.
This soil is probably all of the Miami series,
In type it
ranges froma sand or sandy 10am to a stony silt loam in some
parts of nortnern Leoniaas.
Tnois soil consists of a yellow or light brown loam of
medium to fine texture. This extends to a depth of about
eignt inches. Over most of tnis area there 18 a@ 8Mmall amount
Of gravel in the soil.
In some places the scil is quite
gravelly. -r and the adundance
of scrrel in many of the fields are good indications,
Thus we see that the fertility prodvlems of tne county are,
Lack cT lime in the soil anda aeficiency of nitrogen and of
phosypreorus. Lime may be applied as marl, nydrate or limestone,
nitrogen may be supplied by grcwling legumes, and phospyecrur vy
tne’application cf phosphate fertiliz2rs.
}?
SUGGESTION FORK JXPROVIDS aGHRICULTURAL PEACTICH.
THe PRAIRIE SOILS.
Tre analysis snows this type te be aericient in nitrogen
and phcesphorus. The laccratcory test ror the lime regquirenient
cf a Sample taken near the eage of tne prairie sncwed a
deficiercy of this suostance in tre scil. This rield needed
apourt thirty-six hurdred p,curas cf carbcnate cf lime to neet
this requiremert.
These solls are well adapted te eltnmer grain or live stocx
farming. Of the letter a ccmbiration cf dairying and hog
raising would protably be most preritable. This would involve
some cutlav for fences, oulldires, und possibly for stcca, put
most cf te ferrers on this type of soll weuld be able to meet
the investment. With negs, required stock could be secon
raisec. It woulc taxe a lit tle longer to bulla up u nera cf
ccws,
In grnin farming, it is deseirapie to neep encugr cattle
to use up the rcoughuge, such as corn fcdder, straw, etc. This
can ve dore vy Keeping dairy cattle, cr tuving feeders fron.
Cther secticns. This latter plan requires capital snd experience.
AS a rotation fcr grain farmirg, a four years rctaticn,
wheat, corn, Oats (or barlev), and clover, conld re follew2d.
As entirely a grain farm tne clover should be grown for seed.
Tne clever that would f° “er rav, should ce left on the grovrd
fo ve tlewed under for murnure, II*% "7 te necessarv to cut the
clover twice pvefore letting it grow for seed. Clcver snould
also te spring seeuec on wheat and ricwed under as late as
pGssitle the rext spring for cern. If the growth is heavy it
mignt pe necessary to aisk it tercre plowing. All thresned straw
Prom wheat, Oats and clover seed should re crawn to tre field
and spread as evenly as necessary. i1t ay ce used as a top
dressing for wheat cr applied, not toc thickly, cr the young
clover after the wheat, to of plowed uncer the rext spring ror
ecrn. Care must be exercised rot to turn uncer too iarge
amount cf coarse material, especislly lute in the spring. It.
may assist in causing drcugnt if the seascon 15 ary.
Dairying has cecome one cf the most profitacle arm
Cecupations cr Michigan, nog reising (barring cnolera) its also
prefitable. A combinaticn of dalrying end nog raising, with
a cash crop of wneat, in the rotaticn, weuld be vest for thls
area. A four or a five year rotation cculc ce provided. A
four year rotaticn could consist cf corn, corn, cats and clever.
The oat stubble could usuaily be pastured scme in the fall and
the clever used for hay anu pasture. © “Seeding timothy with
}%
the clever and using the land two years fcr nay ana pusture,
would give a five vear rotation. If oesired, wheat ccoulc
follcw the nay insteaa of the first crop cr corn. Clover
could pe sowed in wheat and plowed uncer the next sprirg for
ccorn, Tris clover weuld furnish some pasture in tne fall anda
perneps in early spring. Some cf the corn cculd be placed in
the silo fcr silage and some raised as grain for feed,
If a large mumbrer cf hogs were raised it miegnt be well to.
Substitute barley instead cf wheat in the first year of corn, or
to grow barley instead oF cats. If the system of dairying and
neg raisirg were adopted, it prcvabdly weuiu be well to put cut
a field of alfralta. "his plent unaoustedly furnisnes more val-
uable stock fcod per acre than any cther crop that can be grown
in Michigan. Tnis crop shcula be grown cutside of the rotation.
Alfaifa ray tcgether with corn silage lukes an almost ideal
food for cows. In the winter frogs like tne nay, wnil? in the
Summer alfalfa pasture with solve wicclings and corn rieal, make
abcut the cheapest nog feed xrown.,. Tne cream coulc be sold
and tne skim miji* used to feed the noes and cnickxens.
A flock ofr ftve or tnre? Yrrered nens snovulad iv well cn
any farm. The farmer has the grcuno for raree ana abundance
Of straw frr litter in tre scratcnirg ren for winter. He raises
nearly all tne feed required, ana with a little intelligent
attention, the nens shoulc poy as well as iuny other tranen or
the farin. |
A farmer snoula vroduce as much cf nis feod as possible,
A few hours a week spent in a hore vegetable and fruit garden
Woulc give rim a variety cf fruits and vegetanles thet Tew city
mer. car. afford and none cbtain.
zi the crops menticned ubove ao best on soils wnich are
Rign in lime. In fact, clcver and alrtalfa cannot bce perown tc
advartage without it. The laboratcry test showed that these
SO0lls are greatly in need of carborute of lime, This lime snoula
be supplied before an attemtt is made to grow eitner red clover
Or alfalfa. Tnis limestcre shculd be finely grcund, evenly
Spreaqa over tne field and narreweda ir, after the land le plowed.
Tre scil also is in need of phosphorus, or sccen will be.
I wculd sugeest the use cf raw rock ~[hnospnate. an application
Cf about 1000 pounds per acre in each rcouna cf the rotation
would maintain the supply. This slso siicula be finely ground
and well mixed with tie soll. Acic phospnate will give quicker
results and it might pay to use the aclu pnospnate for the rirst
application. In both systems cf farming all Manure and crop
residues must be returned to the lund.
THE BEECH AND MsPL= SOIL.
On the smootner and heavier portions cf tnis soil, the
system of dairying and nog raising outlined for the prairie
farmers cught to succeed. Tnis type is a gocd wieat and an
exceilent corn soil. Tnese scils are all deficient in lime
and low in phosphorus, so limestone ard phosphate should be
applied as on the prairie soll. Poultry ani the home garden
should have a place on all these farms,
There are some 1lcw, poorly drained spots ana flelds on
this formation. These will furnisn good permanent pasture.
Fed top is an excellent pasture grass and will do well on damp
ground. It might be well to intrcduce it in these places. It
Makes a good nay although the yieid is lignt. All slopes at
all steep snculd be included in the permanent pasture or in the
permanent hay land. No attempt snould be ftiade to cultivate
these slopes, as tre water erosion cn this bare land 18 very
destructive of fertility.
Soy beans and potatoes woulda be gcod cash crcps fcr this
soil. These crops, togetner with oats and corn, will grow on
soll deficient in lime. Ir dairyirg were foll@ed cowpeas
might be intreduced into tne rotation. Trese can ve used for
pasture and tn? resilaue turned under for green Nanure. On
these lands it would be better practice to use limestone and
then grow clover and alfaifa.
On tre rougher portions cf this sclii, the smoother fields
Mignt be devoted to the rctaticns outlined apcve and the alfalfa
established cn the steeper slopes. Other portions of the slopes
eculd be used for pasture. June grass and white clover could be
used fcr this purpose. June grass is a line lcving plant so an
appPlicaeticn of ground limestone would be necessary. fThe area of
alfalfa coulc be increased and ueed for hog pasture.
Sneep raising ought to be a success On this hilly land,
The alfalfa hay furnishes a good winter feed, and tne June grass
and white clover wuld be good pusture. In some parts of tne
country feeders are growing sweet clover for pasture. Animals
soon ecoulre a taste for this plant and then it makes good
pasture, This plant grcws wild in several purts of St. Josepn
County. The white variety makes the most fcrage but is rather
ccarse and becomes somewnat weody. tkcr this reascn many growers
prefer tre vellow variety, which is a smaller flint.
BURR OAK SOILS.
Tne lavoratcry test of these soils, in all cases snow them
to be low in lime. The amount of limestone required to meet this
requirement varies from about twelve hundred pounds to tienty-
five hundred pounds, and snoula be met i> clover is to be grown.
70
First, I will offer a few suggesticns cf mincr cr local
application. In the vicinity of the streams and lakes are
rurercus and srall pieces of muck cr swamp lard which are too
wet Yor ordinary cultivation. Some cf these can probably be
draired without much trouble, otners cannot. These wet patches
eculd ve cleaned of weeds, covered with sand to a deptn of
three or four inches, and set out to cranberries or to blue-
berries, In many cases along these water courses, small
private fish ponds cculd be arranged witnout much lancr. Ina
few years these wuld furnish a supply of delightful fcod for
the nome, and in many cases a small income.
This soil is well adapted to poultry raising, but general
farming is generally practised. The crop yields are low and
peccming lower. The amount of feed that can be raised on an
acre 1s amall, nance but few live stock can be kept. Manv of
the farmers are unable to svend maney in ruildins up tne soll,
hence the problem 15 tc get returns from the lund and at the
Same time cuild up tne scil.
The suggestive solution is in the grcwtr. cf soy beans cr
cowpeas or both, first for seed anda tnen Dr forage or for hay.
Bach has its advantages and its alsauvantages., Tne soy bean
is the better crop ror this section.
To begin the precess of improverert, provide for a
liberal amourt cf corn and hay and then grow scy beans for
seed on as much cf the remainder of the farm as possible. Raise
the soy vears on the same field fcr two or three yeare in suc-
cession, In this way tne soll cecomes tnorcughly inoculated.
The land mist o@ inoculated before either scy beans or cow peas
can be successfully grown. Tre soy vean snould be sown about
June first. after the crcp is narvested in the fail the land
Snould be disked and sown to rye. This rye can be turned under
the next May as a green Manure and another crop of soy tean
sown. After two cr three crops cf scy beans are grown, corn
can ve introduced into the rotation, growing rye in the corn
for a green manure,
If dairying is carried on ccrr may ve used for silage.
At this time it may be well to estadlisn a small acreage of
alfalfa. Tnis will grow on the ligntest sand, put it may re-
quire a little care to get it eatablisned. For this purpose,
cne better use scme cf the Lund om whicn scy beans have been
grcewn,. To this soll add ground limestone, and an application
of barnyard manure if possible. The soil must also be
inoculated for tne alfalfa. As scon as the finances will permit
two or three hundred pounds of acid phosphate per acre snould
v2 applied and this repeated every two years.
As the scil becomes built up cther crops can ve intro-
duced ard a greater variety secured. cCrimscn clover isa
valuable crop for localities fartner scuth, and it might ve
well to try it in Scuthern Micrigar, inasmuch as it aces not
require so mucn Lime as otner clovers. Potatces could te
introduc?*. Wrile the ylela would be Llignt tne cuality would
be unexcelled. On much of tne land it mignt be possible tc
Z|
grov wheat profitably, but other creeps wculd lixely give
vetter returns. With the introduction cf a field cf alfalfa
and with corn enough vor silage, daivying cOuld be commenced.
Rreme grass cculd ve used fcr pasture ard this could be sSupple-
menvec with ry2, rye and vetch, cr cowpeas cculd te grown for
fail pasture. Or line could be applied and clover intrcduced
into the retation fcr pasture.
By more expensive fencing heges could be raised. Alfalfa
soy neans, or the clover would m.ke excellent pasture, After
live stcck farming was commenced, alfalfa weuldc prohabvly give
as large an amount cf valuable feed as any crcp that could ce
grown and wculc not need tc re started every year. Ir weeda
and grass got start2du it wculd ce necessuar;, to drag it witha
String tooth drag. Alfalfa canrct be pastured witn cattle or
sreez.
On the sandy land fartner north a five vear rctation of
vetch and rye, potatces, rye, clover, and ccrr, has beccie
eccumon. Tris might well te intreduced in tnis ccunty as scon
as clover was introduced. In ecrnecticn with dsalrying, there
are trree of these crops that coulda te used for emergency
pasture. Tne only cbjection to the continued raising cf soy
beans Tor seed is the danger that trair price would becc
“CO low for prorit. They are belay, used to some extent ror
Varin Tood and this use will preo.cly te extended. . 80, th
price will prevadly rais® instead of Tail. Scy drans Mizgrt
tare tne place of clover in this Last retation rot ThA vette
and rye turned under for potatoes. This would cut the rotation
te four years with a caten crop cr veten and rye. In this case
aiming would not be necessury, Cr et Least sot to the extent
necessary to grew clicver,
™193 scil 18 well auapted to Smull fruits and to vegetac.e
BrCving. tnese ocoth call fcr considerabtie twator urd the
vegetaoles require 2a large amcunt of unure. Betn of these
are rot available at rresent. Tue nom garden has aiready
been discussed, It applies to this soil as weil as to otner
Furt3 of tne ccuntyv. With the sclution or tne labcr problen,
asparagus, pieplant, strawperries, raspoesrries, cherries,
Claccd*rries and poultry cugnt to pay well. Chickers cugnt
tO of Kept for egga cr ror meat or botn. The cig raczKers
are maxing money cn crate feeding cnhicnens whicr they ouy.
wher? is no reason wny the Parser cannot mare woney crate fat-
tening nis Gwn chickens or thece ©] 2an buy from his neipgnccrs,
(J
mM)
COXCLUS ION.
Tne Tertility problems of this county are lack of
nitrogen, small supply of phosprorus, and a deficiency of
Lime.
The agricultural problem is to ccrrect tne avove trouble
without making « larg2 initial Lnvestment.
ve
4
The prairie la 18 an @xcallent grcin land. The Beecn
and Mapl?> land 18 a fair grain soil, put not so valuable for
that purpose as th> prairie. Tne crops which give tne best
resurns on tnis land require plenty of lime. The first step
in improving tnese lands woule oe to Lime them quite heavily.
Clover couls then be grown, These lnnds are quite well sup-
plied with organic Matter, and rock phosphate could te used
tC Supply the deliecltncy or phospnorus.
7,
a
x
4,
I? the farmer cGesired to follow dairying or nog raising,
or votn, ne could scw a field to alfalfa. This would furnisia
good nay for the cattle, cor geod pasture for the nogs. A
sulply of corn for silage a:d of corn and vcarley for grain
eculd 02 provided for in tne rotation, On mucn of tne Beec:.
Pi. MApa> Lond the metnods giver above could te used. The
Srain yields would hardly o2 es large as on the prairie, with
the possictle exception of ccrn, The ateeper slopes of this
Land should be kept in permanent grass. This meadow can be
used for hay or for pasture, This woulda necessitate sone
form cf stock raising. Tne keeping of nogs, sneep, or COWS,
would fill this requirement.
The BUrr Cak scil is wall adapted for smmil fruity oN
vegetables. Tne scarcity of labor and uweed OF large ainounvts
of manure prevent the immediate growth of these crops. On
muen cf this soil the crop returns are small. The vocerie™
+o puil4 up the land without any expensive investments, eltner
in time or money. The farmer ervila srow what corn ana may
is recutred for nis stcocx, and then grow soy veans fcr seed
on as muck. of the farm as he can. With the soy oceans, rye
Srculd oa sowed in fall ond plowed under the next apring zor
the mxt crop of beans. In a few vears other crops cousd be
introduced, and then dalrying ard nog raising could be carried
on. Clover cCuld pe raised, or a rotation arranged conusist-
ing of crops wnien require less lime than the most of the
clovers. In tuis waty a well diversified system of farming
could be CuUilt up on these sarny farms.
4
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Re 12 ‘53
Ac 25 53
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3 1293 02604 74