1950's
OCTOBER 1952
“Save More Soil ”
John F. Timmons, professor of agriculture economics conducted studies in Western Iowa where land erosion was high and formed a plan to minimize soil losses and maximize crop production. Timmons’ plan’s goal was to keep soil losses lower than 5 tons annually by employing erosion control techniques like increasing contour planting, tillage practices, and high forage rotations.
MARCH 1953
“A New Roughage for Dairy Cows ”
Arthur R. Porter, professor in charge of dairy husbandry conducted long term studies that found that grass silage can be fed to milking cows without a loss in milk production or body weight. The group of cows that ate only grass silage appeared to have a higher total nutrient intake.
MARCH 1954
“Tumor Cell Growth in Chickens"
J.W. Gowen studied the growth and control of fowl leukosis. While the study was being made on chickens, the principles of tumor growth may apply to humans. The studies was especially monitoring why a normal tissue may become tumorous and kill the animal on which it lives.
JUNE 1955
“Ridge Planting Saves Soil and Water ”
Wesley F. Buchele, E.V. Collins, and W.G. Lovely; all professors of agricultural engineering developed a new system of row-crop farming protects soil from water erosion. The new system was called ridge planting and it combined the high yields of surface planting and the conservation features of contour listing.
SEPTEMBER 1956
“How to Take a Soil Sample"
William F. Bennet, associate in agronomy explains how to take a proper soil sample. Bennet explains the importance of soil sampling and the proper procedures involved in obtaining a good soil sample. The most important thing to remember, Bennet says, “ is that the sample should accurately represent the soil of the area.”
OCTOBER 1957
"Center for Agriculture Adjustment at Iowa State College "
The Center for Agriculture Adjustment was created at Iowa State College to, “coordinate and concentrate research, extension and teaching activities to aid in overcoming the current unfavorable situation in agriculture.” At the time, farm income was low while the national income was at an all-time high.
FEBRUARY 1958
"Engineers Develop Tamdem Tractor"
E.V. Collins reported that Agriculture Engineers at the Iowa State Experiment Station developed a working tandem tractor from two common-size tractors. In college tests and exhibitions, the tractor did a credible job pulling five 16-inch bottoms. Several improvements were then being made to reduce the time required for conversion and to simplify the control
FEBRUARY 1959
“Synthetic Soil Conditioners in Iowa”
Iowa State College conducted some of the first studies involving soil conditioners and was issued one of the first soil conditioner patents. Results from the studies showed that synthetic soil conditioners definitely improve soil aggregation for a period of 3-6 years. Improved aggregation from soil conditioners increase corn yields at high fertility levels.
