Corn Growers* Association. 307 



drouth prevails, the crop growing in the deep, loose seed-bed is 

 more apt to be injured because of the rapid drying out of the sur- 

 face soil. In such a seed-bed the crop is not only apt to "burn out" 

 in summer, but it is also more apt to "freeze out" in winter than a 

 crop grown in the "ideal" seed-bed described above. 



I cannot here go into detailed discussion as to methods of pre- 

 paring a suitable seed-bed. 



An excellent seed-bed for small grains or grasses may be pre- 

 pared without plowing when these crops follow corn or other cul- 

 tivated crops, simply by disking and harrowing. 



When the plowing precedes the sowing by a short interval, it is 

 well to follow the plow with the sub-surface packer and harrow, in 

 order to pulverize and pack the soil at the bottom of the furrow 

 and leave a mellow surface. This packing and pulverizing of the 

 furrow-slice is especially necessary when the soil is plowed dry, or 

 when stubble, trash or manure are plowed under, because if the 

 furrow-slice is left loose and unpulverized, the capillary connection 

 of the soil with the subsoil is largely broken off, and the soil water 

 will not rise into the surface soil to supply the germinating seeds 

 and feed the roots of the young plants, hence the seed fails to germi- 

 nate well, the stand is often poor, and in such a seed-bed the crop 

 "freezes out" during the winter or "burns out" during drouth in 

 summer. 



The general experience of farmers and the results of experi- 

 m.ents are much in favor of early plowing for fall wheat. And it is 

 preferable as a rule to plow in the fall for spring seeding of grasses 

 and early grain crops. 



Q. What is the best way, in your opinion, to get that pul- 

 verized condition of the soil next to the subsoil? 



A. In wheat culture, we have three different methods in Kan- 

 sas. One of the most common and most practical is to plow early; 

 that is, as soon after harvest as possible. That gives a long interval 

 in which the soil can store the water. But this is helped out a little 

 by harrowing, perhaps, right after plowing — and then every two 

 weeks or ten days, or if it rains hard, the harrow goes over it. Al- 

 ways ride the harrow — that is a lazy way to do, but it helps to settle 

 the soil and loosens the surface deeper, so that the soil may take in 

 the rain, and is less apt to wash or blow than shallow harrowed 

 land. 



Q. Is not disking before plowing very beneficial? 

 A. Yes, that is helpful. That brings up the second method 

 of disking soon after harvest, and, perhaps, repeating the disking 



