110 The Sugar-Beet in America 



raising beets and it is an expense that should, therefore, 

 be eliminated. 



Conditions in each locality must determine what depth 

 land should be plowed, but for a great part of the sugar- 

 beet area a thorough plowing to a depth of twelve to 

 fifteen inches is ample. When experience demonstrates 

 that deeper plowing will pay for the extra expense it en- 

 tails, greater depth should be practiced, but the extra 

 cost should always be considered. 



FINAL PREPARATION 

 (Plates VIII, IX) 



Much depends on the final preparation of the land for 

 planting. Good plowing counts for little if it is not fol- 

 lowed by tillage methods that put the seed-bed in a con- 

 dition that will favor a quick germination of the seed 

 and a rapid growth of the young plant. This means that 

 the top few inches must be fine and mellow and at the 

 same time firm and moist. This preparation should be 

 done early in order to make possible early seeding. 



If the land is too dry in the spring to respond well to 

 tillage, it may be irrigated, but this irrigation must be 

 given early. Usually irrigation will not be required be- 

 fore seeding, but when necessary it should be given before 

 the seed-bed is finally prepared, since it enables the farmer 

 to make a much finer, more moist, and better bed for the 

 germinating seed. 



Definite directions cannot be given regarding the im- 

 plement to use. The tool that does the best work is the 

 one to employ. The nature of the soil will determine 



