FIELD CKOPS. 131 



nation of soaking barley lacking in germ-ripeness is influenced by the degree 

 of germ-ripeness already attained. It was observed tliat in soaking samples 

 for 2, 4, 6, and S hours, those more nearly germ-ripe were the first to be 

 injuriously affected with reference to the rapidity and percentage of germina- 

 tion by the longer periods of soaking. For the samples in which the process 

 of germ-ripening had not materially progressed, soaking gave a much more 

 favorable result. 



Experiments with oats indicated that the period required for germ-ripening 

 is an individuality belonging not only to varieties but also to strains. It was 

 noticed that varieties or strains with a short germ-ripening period were also 

 the ones to sprout quickest upon sowing the following spring. Atterberg's 

 observations that each degree of germ-ripeness requires a specific temperature 

 for germination were confirmed in these experiments. In order to bring out 

 the full percentage of germination under experimental conditions, the samples 

 completely germ-ripe required a higher temperature than those in which the 

 germ had not completely matured. Injuries to the seeds, and especially the 

 removal of the hulls, were capable of inci-easing the rapidity as well as the 

 percentage of germination. The action of oxygen on the oat kernels also 

 caused them to germinate in a shorter time. 



The results secured with wheat were similar to those obtained with barley 

 and oats. Here it was observed that the more hardy varieties were also the 

 first, as a rule, to complete the process of germ-ripening. 



The experiments as a whole showed that the following substances and fac- 

 tors act as stimulants in the germination of barley, oats, and wheat: Acids, 

 bases, limewater, calcium chlorid, formalin, naphthaliu, manganese solution, 

 light, galvanic currents, atmospheric electricity, injuries, ether, alcohol, chloro- 

 form, and other narcotics, different degrees of oxygen pressure during storing 

 or germinating, higher temperature during storage with and without drying of 

 the grain, and low temperatures during germination and storage. 



Work with cereals at the Ploty station in 1909 (Godichnyi Otchet Ploti. 

 SelsJc. Khoz. Opytn. Stantsii, 15 (1909), pp. 158-165). — In the experiments de- 

 scribed fallow broken in April yielded 1,634 kg. of winter wheat per hectare 

 (about 1,454 lbs. per acre), that broken in May 1,604 kg., and that plowed in 

 June 1,378 kg. In spite of unfavorable weather conditions early breaking gave 

 better results than later breaking. 



Three different depths of plowing, 9, 18, and 26 cm., were compared and in 

 general the yield increased as the depth of plowing diminished. In the case 

 of the fallow broken in April, however, the deepest plowing gave the best results. 



In rotation tests with 3 leguminous crops the largest yield of winter wheat 

 was secured after sainfoin, the next largest after alfalfa, and the smallest 

 after clover. 



A comparison of applications of barnyard manure and of superphosphate led 

 to the conclusion that the so-called black soil, or chernozem, of Ploty is first 

 of all lacking in phosphoric acid and that this substance is the active principle 

 in barnyard manure when applied to this soil. In connection with these tests 

 it was observed that all fertilizer applications were sufiiciently effective in 

 resisting the influence of drought to warrant their use. 



Distribution of improved seed grain in Kansas, A. M. Ten Eyck (Amer. 

 Breeders Mag., 2 {1911), No. 2, pp. 125-132). — This paper describes the methods 

 practiced in securing and distributing improved seed grain in Kansas and 

 summarizes the amount of work done along this line. 



Alfalfa on Wildwood Farm and how to succeed with it, H. D. Folmek 

 (Columhus, Ohio, 1911, pp. 105, pis. 7). — This book relates the experience in 

 growing, harvesting, and using alfalfa on a farm in central Ohio. 



