Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1875-05-13
Corn Culture.

INDIAN corn Is one OF the certain crops
of this country; under ordinary condi-
tions, in moderately good soils, and with
no extra cultivation, medium crop may
reasonably be expected. This certainty
while beneficial in one respect, is inju.
rious in another 1t begets careless
method of culture, and to this cause,
principally, may be attributed the low
average yield which is reported, with i'm
material variation, each year. The vast
difference between the average yield per
acre and the capabilities Of soil under
proper cultivation is surprising One
hundred bushels of good corn is not an
uncommon yield, and even double that
quantity has been grown on an acre; yet
the average yield last year in this coun-
try was but little over twenty bushels.
Ohio stood at the head of the corn-grow-
ing States last year, and her average
yield was but thirty-six bushels per acre,
and this was more than the average yield
for the last sixteen years.
Much depends upon the kind of soil, it
is true, but much more depends upon the
kind of cultivation given to this crop.
We believe that a little extra culture on
the part of each grower in Ohio would
increase the average yield to fifty bush
els per acre, with but little extra cost. A
few figures will show the advantage to
the State if such result was obtained.
Ohio cultivates about 100000 acres in
this cereal. Fourteen bushels per acre
1.-THE increase over the average of last
year, would add $500, 900 to the aggre-
gate production. At present price this
would bring over $25, 600, 0O0-no insig-
nificant sum. a.
But all farmers will not give the extra
culture necessary to this result. The
great majority will cultivate just as they
always have done. Under such circum-
stances it is satisfaction to know that
the poorer the yield of others the greater
the value of your own crop.
The great advantage of even a small
extra yield is not generally appreciated.
Many seem to think that extra labor
and expense increases the cost OF pro-
duction in the same proportion. Nothing
is farther from the truth, within rea-
sonable limit Suppose, for instance, the
cost of raising an acre of corn is $40,
and the yield is BIZ bushels, worth 70
cents per bushel. The net profit on an
acre is SO, which pays 45 per cent. on
cost of production. Increase the cost of
production to $50 per acre and the
yield to so bushels per acre; there is a
net profit of $3.50, or 30 per cent. on
cost of production.
Commence your preparations for rails
ing crop Of corn with the determine
ton to increase your yield to the highest
possible point. Your own judgment
and experience will tell you what to do.
If you cannot manure as heavily as you
wish, make it up by better cultivation.
Get your ground thoroughly ready be-
fore you plant. 1t is three-fourths of
the battle. Break up Jumps that have
never been broken before, and release
and render available all the plant food
the soil contains. If you cannot give
the land good dressing of manure, you
can manure in the hill. This gives the
plants vigorous start. the result of
which will be visible throughout the en-
tire season. The necessity of early,
thorough and constant ventilation is
recognized by all, and yet half the corn
fields of the country raise as good crops
of weeds as of corn. The value of ex-
periments upon your own soil cannot be
overestimated. Manure one row of
corn in the hill with horse manure, an
other with hog manure, another with
compost, another with plaster, superphos.
phate, ETC., etc. The result of such ex-
periments will be useful in more than
the single corn crop alone. They will
show you the wants and capacities of
your soil, and lead you each succeeding
year into better and more profitable
system of culture.-OhsO Farmer.