Howard, leake and Howard. 101 



in growing wheat of mixed consistency loses twice over. In the 

 first place the yield is reduced and in the second place the quality 

 is affected. 



These experiments clearly indicate two of the main factors 

 in the plains on which optimum yield and quality in wheat depend. 1 

 If cultivation is inadequate the yield falls and the quality is also 

 affected. Want of drainage lowers the yield, affects the consis- 

 tency and also lowers the quality. As regards wheat production 

 it may be said that the best quality is obtained when the optimum 

 yield is produced and that in any particular wheat, the ryot who 

 produces the greatest yield has also secured the best quality possible 

 in that wheat. If under these circumstances he grows a wheat 

 in which high yielding power and high quality are combined he 

 is then getting the greatest financial return for his labour. 



1 Another important factor in wheat growing in the alluvium, in addition to hot-weather 

 cultivation and drainage, may be mentioned. This is the treatment of the subsoil after it has 

 been compacted by the monsoon rainfall. Experiments conducted at Pusa on the last three 

 wheat crops, 1909-10 to 1911-12, have clearly indicated the advantage of a deep-ploughing 

 towards the end of the monsoon. This aerates the subsoil, increases the root-range of the wheat 

 plant and results in a considerable improvement in the standing-power of the crop as well as a 

 better filled and more attractive sample. In the crop of 1911-12 the results of late deep-plough- 

 ing were particularly well marked. This cultivation must however be carried out without an 

 undue loss of moisture — a matter of some difficulty in certain years with soil-inverting iron 

 ploughs. On large estates it is possible that the best results will be obtained by the use of some 

 form of sub-soil plough. 



