The agronomic placement of varieties

In conclusion, I will summarize the situation as follows. The fourth paragraph of the summary relates, however, to a matter barely mentioned previously, but is germane to the general subject. Certain improvements are needed in the conduct of varietal trials with a view to scientific accuracy. Increased attention should be given to at least the following points: a. The proper stand for each variety. b. The importance of a standard variety. c. The necessity of conducting varietal trials on soils which are truly representative of productivity conditions of the regions to which the results are to be applied. Nine simple relationships appear to exist between varieties of corn with regard to grain production on soils differing in productiveness. The location of varietal curves with reference to a standard will make possible better founded and more accurate selection of a suitable variety for a given condition. Data from a date-of-planting experiments enable the plotting of a curve by means of which the approximate date of ripening of a variety can be predicted with a fair degree of accuracy. All three of the curves obtained, one each from an early, a medium, and a late maturing variety, appeared to be arcs of a circle with the same radius, but with different centers. A practical method of calculating the most favorable number of plants per acre has been worked out, the variety to grown and the productiveness of the soil in the average season being the factors taken into consideration. The range of its adaptability and all necessary modification to give it wider application need to be determined. There remains to be determined in particular the productive vigor of every important variety over its possible territorial range. With this factor in hand we would, as I am viewing the subject, be able to say that a scientific basis for the agronomic placement of varieties not only of corn but of other crops was on the high road to successful completion.