Rensselaer Republican, Volume 24, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 September 1891 — Important to Farmers. [ARTICLE]

Important to Farmers.

The following information is con flensed from BuOetin No. 36 of the Purdue University Agricultural Experiment Station, and’is of special interest to farmers: 1. Of 27 varieties of wheat tested dnnng 1891, Jones’ Winter Fife, Velvet Chaff and Early Red Clawson were the most productive of grain, in the order given. 2. The average yield of Velvet chaff, as grown for the past eight years, is 311 bushels per acre. 3. Seven years of comparing different amounts of seed sown per acre, shows that eiglft pecks per acre has the highest average yield— bushels. with six pecks averaging 29| bushels. 4. In the vfcinity of LaFayette, the average yields of three years indicate tl:at about September 20 is the best time for sowing wheat. 5. In comparing large and small seed, the average for three years past shows a gain of 2.57 bushels per acre for large seed over the small. 6. Where grain is rotated with grass there is shown an average gain, during 5 years, of 4.86 bushels over land growing grain only and not rotated. V7. In comparing plats not manured, the average of 12 fertilized plats is 32.31 bushels, and of five unfertilized plats, 34.02 bushels per acre. The result, however, was very likely influenced by the lodging of the fertilized plats, which made too vigorous a growth early in the season. 8. In all the manure tests, horse manure gave very excellent results. 9. Careful sampling and repeated weighings are necessary in grading wheat with the grain tester. 10. If properly used, the grain tester is a uniform and fair means of grading wheat. 11. Wheat scab, a fungous disease, is causing considerable loss of whea t. This is caused by the head becomin g diseased, and as high a loss as 80 per cent, has been reported. 12. Strong growth and early blossoming seem to be the best preventive for the diseased = 13. Nitrate of soda is at present, not only a comparative cheap source of nitrogen, but, in the experiments of the past season, it was the most effective form of nitrogen for wheat. Persons desiring a more extended report of this work, can find it in the bulletin, which will be sent free to all parties interested. -- - C. S. Plumb, Director.