72 The Sugar-Beet in America 



to beets, for it is easy to work and allows a ready move- 

 ment of air. At the same time, it will hold suflBcient 

 moisture to meet the needs of the beet plant. A sand, 

 although easy to work, is likely to be lacking in fertility and 

 water-holding capacity. A clay, though having a high 

 water-holding capacity, is likely to be diflBcult to work 

 and is usually not sufficiently well aerated. Depth, 

 proper texture, fertility, and desirable water relations de- 

 serve careful attention. 



