Progressive Agriculture 91 



CHAPTER XI 



AMOUNT OF SEED WHEAT PER ACRE 



The question of how much seed wheat to sow 

 per acre is a very broad one and needs much 

 consideration. The mechanical and physical con- 

 dition of each field as previously explained must 

 be considered almost by itself, as regards the 

 quantity of seed. Years ago, 60, 75 or 90 pounds of 

 wheat per acre was the universal practice with no 

 regard whatever as to the soil condition or location. 

 There is no doubt in our mind, after fifteen years 

 of study on the relation of soil conditions to the 

 quantity of seed and the final crop yield in any 

 and all kinds of seasons, that in many cases the 

 50 or 60 pounds of winter wheat seed has been 

 directly responsible for the low yield or failure in 

 seasons where hot, dry periods have come within 

 the last six to eight weeks of the growing season 

 and where the field has been well fitted. 



We recall distinctly in 1912 a field containing 

 about 20 acres that was summer tilled northwest 

 of Indianola, Nebraska. The summer tilling was 

 well done and the seed sown early in September, 

 60 pounds of winter wheat per acre, on a theory 

 that a field in such fine condition would stand it. 

 Early in the spring this field was deservedly 

 commented upon very favorably. It was the first 

 to show growth and was very thick and color 

 good, and as both 1912 and 1913 were unfavorable 

 years, because of light rainfall and excessive heat, 

 the average winter wheat field under ordinary 



