Varieties of Roots. 165 



types of root-crops. The feeding value of roots is generally conceded 

 to be intimately associated with or dependent on their dry matter content. 

 The question of their improvement in this respect, therefore, is of much 

 importance. 



Early sowing is essential to a high yield of both green and dry sub- 

 stance. Corn and root-crops may be planted at about the same season , 

 although, if rush of work prevents, the rutabagas and turnips may be 

 planted a little later without much detriment to the crop. Early planting 

 insures a long growing season and also takes advantage of those factors 

 of the season, such as moisture and temperature, that favor root develop- 

 ment. On the other hand, early planting increases the amount of cultiva- 

 tion to kill weeds. 



When moisture and temperature conditions are optimum, shallow 

 planting is to be recommended. Seeds of the beet type may be sown 

 three-fourths to one inch deep ; all others between one-fourth and one- 

 half inch deep. 



Cultivation should begin as soon as the rows can be followed. Cost 

 is one of the most important factors in the economy of root-crop produc- 

 tion ; and labor in thinning and cultivating is one of the most important 

 elements of this cost. Therefore, it should not be so much the object 

 to produce high yield per unit of area as to produce a maximum yield 

 per row. Wide rows, permitting the use of machinery and improved 

 culture methods, are means to this end. If the stand is good, a weeder 

 may be used for the first cultivation, driving across the rows. Shields 

 should be used on the cultivators to prevent the soil being thrown against 

 the young plants. 



Root-crop plants do not grow into prominence quickly ; therefore, it 

 may be advisable to plant some other seed along with the root-crop, the 

 seedlings of which are quickly discernible, in order to show the location 

 and direction of the rows. -Buckwheat is suggested for this purpose, in 

 quantities of about one-tenth to one-fifteenth the volume of the crop seed. 

 These seedlings may be easily removed at the time of thinning. 



