Clearing of forests, overgrazing, and soil erosion have greatly depleted the soil of the Ohio Valley in the United States. Farmers should implement agricultural practices that encourage the growth of sod, which has the potential to restore the soil. "The use of grass in increasing the productivity of farm land, in conserving soil on pasture and cropland, and in protecting smaller eroded or erodible areas is discussed in this bulletin." -- p. i

"The European corn borer is recognized as a dangerous enemy of the corn crop.... Its eradication is considered economically impossible but it is believed that the injury may be kept at a point so low that little commercial damage will occur during normal seasons. This can be done by using control measures and practices that have proved to be effective.... On some farms some changes in the crops grown and in their sequence will aid materially in controlling the borer and may prove profitable even when borers are not present. The control program for the individual farm should be given consideration at once in order to avoid sudden disturbance of the organization and operation of the farm when control measures do become inevitable. The necessity of concerted effort by all producers in an infested district becomes evident when the life habits of the borer are considered." -- p. ii