350 Missouri Agricultural Report. 



sweeping over its surface and when they have developed a mass 

 of surface roots to intercept capillary moisture from below, the 

 principal object of cultivation is to destroy weeds. There is no 

 evidence to indicate that niore frequent cultivation than that 

 which is necessary to control weeds is profitable. 



In conclusion, I would emphasize the fact that the yield of 

 the corn crop is influenced by a diversity of factors. The careful 

 farmer will make it his business to know in so far as possible what 

 these factors are and how they act. He will then endeavor to 

 regulate and systematize those directly in his control in such a 

 way that they will act harmoniously to promote the develop- 

 ment of this important crop. 



PREPARING LAND FOR WHEAT. 



(L. E. Call, professor of agronomy, Kansas State Agricultural College. Address delivered 



during Missouri Farmers' Week.) 



The preparation of the seed bed is the most important factor 

 in growing a crop of wheat. The condition of the ground at the 

 time of planting usually determines the success obtained with 

 the crop. Experience has taught us that an ideal seed bed is a 

 firm, well-compacted soil. To prepare a firm seed bed from a 

 soil that has been previously worked deep requires time. It is 

 not accomplished in a day, a week or a month; it is the result 

 of many days of settling, some good packing rains and frequent 

 cultivation with the disk. Acme or spike-tooth harrow. Thus 

 the time necessary for the preparation of the ideal seed bed is at 

 hand only when the preparation of the ground is started early. 

 The advantages of a firm seed bed that results from early plow- 

 ing and frequent subsequent cultivation cannot be overesti- 

 mated. A firm seed bed is absolutely necessary if the subsoil 

 water is to be utilized by the young wheat plant. On loose, 

 poorly packed soil there is such poor connection between the soil 

 particles that moisture cannot be raised by capillary attraction 

 from the subsoil. Under this condition the soil may be well 

 supplied with subsoil moisture and the wheat fail to germinate 

 because of the loose condition of the soil, which prevents the rise 

 of water. 



A firm seed bed is only one of a number of benefits that 

 result from the early preparation of the soil. Moisture is con- 

 served and plant food is made available in this way. The con- 

 servation of moisture results from the killing of the weeds that 



