224 THE CEREALS IN AMERICA 



five years was as follows: One inch deep, 78 bushels, two 

 inches deep, 72 bushels; three inches deep, 65 bushels; four 

 inches deep, 69 bushels; five inches deep, 61 bushels; six 

 inches deep, 60 bushels.^ This experiment was on soil much 

 more favorable to deep planting than the average. In three 

 years the best results were obtained at one inch, one year at 

 four inches, and one year at six inches, this last being due to 

 an exceptional period of drouth subsequent to planting. At 

 the Ontario Agricultural College during four years, better 

 yields were obtained at two and three inches deep than at 

 shallower or deeper planting.^ At the New York Station plant- 

 ing between two and eight inches deep caused a loss of seed 

 germination as compared with shallower planting, but the yield 

 per stalk was about the same at all depths.^ 



When planted by machinery, it is usually necessary to plant 

 some of the seed somewhat deeper than one inch in order that 

 all may be covered . an inch deep. Hence the desirability of a 

 uniform seed bed. Where it is the practice to harrow the land 

 after planting it is probably better to plant deeper than one inch 

 so as not to move or drag out the hills. The depth of planting 

 has merely to do with the plant getting properly started. If the 

 seed germinates equally well, no difference in yield need be ex- 

 pected on account of depth of planting. Nothing is gained by 

 deep planting, unless necessitated by dryness of soil or practical 

 considerations just mentioned. It only requires of the plant 

 greater time and effort to reach the surface. The depth of 

 roots is not materially affected by depth of planting. (52) 



301. Listing. — There is a method of planting known as list- 

 ing practiced in those States where the soils are friable and the 

 rainfall scanty. Shelton wrote in 1888:* 



I IlL BuL 31, p. 353. 



a Ont Agr. and Expt. Farms Rpt. 1902, p. 133. 



« N. Y. State Rpt 1882, p. 51. 



a Ran. Rpt 1888, p. 35. 



