| First-hand European observations of semi-sedentary corn cultivation by Native tribal groups in Northeastern North America began as early as 1524 A.D. and continues to Six Nations of the Grand River today. Throughout these observations remain the unknowns of surficial burning of the soil system, yield depletion over time, and the point at which the reduction in yield necessitated village movement. In order to adequately begin to answer these questions, it was necessary to reapproximate the process of Northeastern Native agriculture.;The methodology used to perform this research encapsulated all the generalized elements of corn production as discovered through an analysis of the documented primary observations. Slash from trees and shrubs reduced through fire was incorporated into the new field. Used fields were refreshed by weeding and removal of the previous season's cornstalks, which were then burned. Planting each year occurred in the same spot, assisted by the mounding of earth around the growing young corn plant. Fields were kept free of weeds, and beans were incorporated into the growing scheme, as well as squash along the field perimeters. The corn seed used for this research, a variety referred to as Iroquois White Flour Corn, was obtained from Six Nations of the Grand River.;The results of this research indicate that in order to achieve optimum corn production using historical agricultural methods, the corn should be planted five per hill in ash soil, and inter-planted with beans. The only major question that remains is the length of time this method can sustain productivity on the same soil. As of year four, with production on ash soil in excess of 17 bushels/acre, yields remain well within the estimated minimum requirement for a c.1600 A. D. Northeastern Native village. |
