The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1899-08-05
FARMER ANDPLANTER.
EXPERIMENTAL FARMING.
In Order to Test the Capacity
of the Soil.

of the Soil.
There was a time when farmers
were inclined to be skeptical about
the value of scientific experiments,
but that time has passed. The work of
the experiment stations in the differ
ent states has made itself so felt that
the most intelligent farmers now feel
at a loss without the bulletins and an
nual reports. THERE'S nothing theoreti-
cal about experimenting; on the con-
trary, it is essentially practical and the
successful farmers OF to-day are those
who experiment on thir own account.
Experimenting may be defined as
questioning the soil so as to learn by
means of increased or decreased
yields which special line of treatment
is most economical and profitable.
1t is generally admitted that cult
walton, rotation and fertilization are
three of the most important factors in
farming. Every farmer knows the val
tie to his soil of thorough cultivation.
Experience has also taught him that
soil needs a rest from one kind of
crop, and that it is we'll to change off
now and then, and still better to select
a series of crops and grow them in
regular order. Furthermore, by in
Guiding in this series a legume like
clover or peas he actually increases
the fertility of his land, and saves
money off his fertilizer bill, which he
would have had to pay for nitrogen.
The third factor in good farming,
namely fertilization, though formerly
not so well understood as the other
two, is, thanks to the good work being
accomplished by the agricultural
press, experiment stations and farm
ers institutes, rapidly becoming IA
miliar and Ineligible subject among
farmers, and the skillful and mastery
manner in which many farmers dis
cuss the important principles involved
in plant feeding might well make some
college professors envious. 1t is true
that the principles involved are not
very complicated, but when farmer
once understands them and combines
Herewith a practical knowledge of
farm matters, he is better equipped
than those who merely have theoreti-
cal understanding of the question.
There is really nothing complicat-
ed about farm experiments. The work
of the experiment stations is neces-
sarily limited to certain lines in diff
ferent states, and as there is a large
diversity of soils and climates, it is
not to be expected that one station In
each state can make study of all the
problems which beset the farmer. This
fact has been recognized by many in
fiuential agricultural and horticultural
organizations, and with view to sup
plemerting the work of the stations
they have organized experimental
farms on their own account.
Probably the most typical expert
mental farm in this country is that of
the North Carolina Horticultural So
ciety, at Southern Pines, in that state.
This farm contains two departments,
one devoted to trials with fruits, and
the other to vegetables. The soil is
well adapted for experimental work,
being of sandy nature, and quite uni
form in composition. The work is car
ried on by trained experts and is be-
ginning to attract attention Ill over
the country. Regular reports and bull
letins are freely distributed, and the
writer, who has had an opportunity of
studying them, would advise all broth
err farmers to write to the superinten-
dent at Southern Pines and secure
copies. They offer many valuable sug-
gestions for experimental work.
There is no reason why every farmer
should not have an experimental farm
of his own ON small scale, by devot-
ing one of his fields to that purpose,
which can be done without disturbing
the regular routine of his seasons
work. One or two or three rows, as the
case may be, may serve as one plot
upon which certain fertilizers can be
applied, and after leaving another row
for dividing line, the same number
may be selected as plot for another
APPLICATION, the extent of the exeriment
being of course regulated by the mum,
Der of questions involved. In each case
it is only necessary to drive stakes at
the end of the rows in order to desig.
nate them and follow systematic
mode of treatment for each one.
Careful notes should be taken dur.
ing the growing season, the yield
weighed separately. and proper com
PARSONS made at the end of the year
This will throw much light ON the eff
fects of the different fertilizers used
1t must not be supposed, however, thai
one years experimenting will always
solve the question. The trial should
be repeated until conclusive results ar,
reached, and the information derived
will more than compensate for all tn,
time and money expended in study
ing the principles involved.-B. H., il
Farmers Home Journal.
uyODnEc TN CuyTNE