SWEET SORGHUM 129 



Preparation of land 



There is a prevailing opinion with farmers that 

 sorghum does not require the care in the prepara- 

 tion of soil and its cultivation that is demanded 

 for corn. This may be true in part, but the plant 

 responds readily and profitably to good treatment, 

 and it usually pays well thoroughly to prepare the 

 soil before planting. This good preparation not 

 only destroys weed seeds, but increases the water- 

 storage capacity of the soil, insures quick germi- 

 nation and rapid early growth. 



Seeding in Kansas 



Sorghum may be seeded any time that is suit- 

 able for seeding corn; if planted from the first to 

 the twentieth of May, it will ordinarily catch 

 enough of the spring rains to secure a fine growth 

 before the hot and usually dry weather of the 

 western states begins. 



When grown for the mature plant, it should be 

 planted in rows, about three feet apart, and the 

 seed distributed evenly in the row, at the rate of 

 one peck to one -half bushel per acre. After plant- 

 ing, the land should be harrowed to keep the sur- 

 face loose, and as soon as the plant is well started, 

 the ground should be frequently cultivated until 

 the plant is thoroughly established. While the 



