RICE 627 



at the Biggs (California) Rice Field Station, ranging from 

 April 1 to May 15, the earlier seeding always gave the 

 best results. It is not safe to sow Wataribune rice in 

 California after May 1. Seeding should be done as soon 

 as possible after spring plowing. 



703. The rate of seeding varies in different districts 

 with different methods of seeding, and with the variety 

 of the rice grown. Soil fertility and the vitality of the 

 seed are also factors of influence. The range is from 1 

 to 3 bushels an acre. On the black adobe soil of the 

 Sacramento valley, 90 pounds an acre of Wataribune 

 are sufficient. The long-kerneled varieties should be 

 sown thicker than the short-kerneled rices, to which 

 Wataribune belongs. The requirement of more seed in 

 broadcasting than in drilling, on weedy land than on 

 clean land, and on a poor seed-bed than on a good seed- 

 bed, is as true of rice as of the other cereals (355). 



704. Depth and method of seeding. Always when at 

 all possible, rice should be sown with a drill. In general, 

 the same reasons for drilling apply as those for other 

 spring sown cereals (357). 



Ordinarily, rice should not be sown deeper than 2 

 inches. If the surface soil is well pulverized, even a less 

 depth may be desirable. If irrigation is necessary to 

 germinate the seed, seeding should not be done extremely 

 shallow, as the water may float and scatter it. 



705. Applications of water. Remembering that rice 

 may be successfully grown without any irrigation or with 

 continuous irrigation from time of sowing to harvest time, 

 the great possible range for variation in practice is seen. 



If water is not necessary for germinating the seed, 

 flooding is not begun until the rice is 6 to 8 inches high. 

 Usually water is required for good germination, and is 



