Soil Fertility and Management Experiments 1958

The soil experiments reported in this summary were conducted on representative soil types in the major crop areas of the state. The growing season in 1958 was characterized by a general deficiency of moisture. The June and July temperatures were below normal which was very favorable for the growth and development of the small grain crop. The August temperatures were about normal but the rainfall was below normal. The adverse weather in August imposed a low ceiling on corn yields in most areas. Maintenance of the productive capacity of the soil requires the restoration of plant food through soil improvement practices which include the application of fertilizers, returning manure, crop residues, and use of good rotations including a legume. Other soil management practices including proper tillage and soil moisture conservation and erosion control are also essential features of sound soil management. The experiments reported in this summary are concerned with these practices and serve as a guide for the development of sound soil management systems for the various crop and soil areas of the state