CULTURE OF WHEAT 8$ 



of the soil considerably. The wheat is less likely to be heaved 

 out from freezing and thawing. The soil at the bottom of the 

 furrow offers greater resistance to the heaving than does that 

 at the top of the ridge. The movement of the soil will take 

 place at the point of least resistance, which will be at the top 

 of the ridge, thus increasing the chances of the plant at the 

 bottom of the furrow to remain undisturbed. At the same time 

 the loosened soil, aided by the rains, tends to fall into the furrows 

 and thus further protect the plant. Just how much effect this 

 has one year with another is not known, but in some trials during 

 one year by the writer, where the furrows were obliterated by 

 rolling, the yield was not materially affected. 



In the spring wheat districts, the winds tend to lay bare the 

 seeds when broadcasted, while drilling rather tends to deepen 

 the covering by partially filling up the furrows. Practice seems 

 to show also that weeds are less troublesome in spring wheat 

 when drilling is practiced, doubtless because it insures quicker 

 germination of the wheat. 



132. Quantity of Seed per Acre. — The quantity of seed to be 

 sown per acre will vary with the character of the soil, climate, 

 time of seeding, seed bed, size, quality and variety of seed, and 

 method of seeding. If sown early, less would be required than 

 when sown late, because each plant would become larger, tiller 

 more, and thus cover more ground. If the seed bed is well 

 prepared, and the vitality of the seed good, a larger percentage 

 of the seed will grow than if the seed bed and seed are poor. 

 Fertile soil requires a less number of plants per acre than a poor 

 soil because each plant tillers more and grows larger and thus 

 occupies more room. A bushel of one variety may contain 

 three times as many grains as another. A variety which tillers 

 profusely could be sown thinner than one that does not. If 

 drilled, a less quantity could be sown than if sown broadcast. 



The yield will not be at all in proportion to seed sown. 

 The wheat plant adjusts itself to its surroundings. If sowr 



