634 



IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



97.5 per cent Harrowed after sowing 

 3.7 per cent Harrowed small grain after it was up 

 0. per cent No one reported rolling small grain 



It will be observed that practically all sow oats on stalk ground and 

 that 71 per cent sow on unprepared stalk ground. Almost all harrow 

 in the oats after seeding, while 70 per cent disc the ground after sowing. 



The burning of the stalks may be considered a wasteful practice. 

 Our soils in general are in need of humus making material. A good 

 sharp disc will cut the stalks up very well. However, it will have to be 

 admitted that the seed bed can be put in a much more satisfactory con- 

 dition for receiving the seed, insuring a more even stand, when the 

 stalks have been broken down, raked and burned. Many stalks interfere 

 with an even covering of the seed, especially where the stalks have not 

 been pastured and are heavy. 



If the disc be sharp much of this trouble can be eliminated. To 

 prepare a suitable seed bed for oats, corn stalk ground should be disced 

 at least twice, lapping the disc half, and in addition to this it will pay to 

 double harrow. Some seasons may require more discing. Seldom can the 

 seed bed be prepared with less. The disc drill will be found especially 

 suited for putting in oats on stalk ground. 



As to whether the ground should be harrowed afterward depends 

 largely upon conditions. In general it is not necessary when a good 

 seed bed has been prepared before hand. It is essential that the seed 

 be covered, and as evenly as possible, at a depth of from li^ to 2% 

 inches. A deep seed bed is not recommended, as oats respond better to 

 one more firm; 3 to 3% inches in depth is sufficient. It is all important 

 that the seed bed for oats be properly prepared for oats before the oats 

 are put in. 



BATE OF SEEDING. 



The amount of seed which should be sown on an acre will vary some- 

 what with the land and method of seeding. In all the experiments car- 

 ried on at this Station with reference to rate of seeding, a disc-drill 

 has been used. It will be seen by the following table that three 

 bushels per acre has, in every instance but one, given us a heavier 

 yield than has a less amount. The table shows the results for three 

 years work with an early and a medium variety: 



Six Experiments Showing The Effect of "Rate of Seeding" Upon 



Yield of Oats. 



Rate Per Acre 



4 pecks 



6 pecks 



8 pecks 



10 pecks 



13 pecks 



22.5 

 24.6 

 27.8 

 23.4 

 35.6 



