Nitrogen Problems in the Midwest

productio'n in the midwest, like that in other regions, is beset with nitrogen problems. These problems arise from both soil conditions and the influences of soil use practices. Some soils naturally contain rather small amounts of this important nutrient element. Others contain relatively large supplies, but they need replenishing from time to time for best results. Many commonly used systems of cropping reduce soil supplies of nitrogen and encourage losses by drainage and erosion; soil resources tend to become less and less and crop yields decline. The effects of an inadequate supply of nitrogen on production economy may vary considerably among agricultural regions and, likewise, the means for effective correction may also differ. In fact, there may be differences in these respects among the several states in a given region and even within a state itself. The purpose of this paper is to review briefly the methods that are being used to increase the nitrogensupplying power of midwest soils and to consider the adjustments which may have to be made under wartime conditions.