172 



FUNDAMENTALS OF AGRICULTURE. 



inches deep; the depth depending upon the soil mois- 

 ture. Shallow planting is preferable when there is 

 plenty of moisture. 



Time to Plant. In the Eastern States and through 

 the Mississippi Valley the sugar beet is planted from 

 April to early June; in Utah, Idaho, Colorado and 

 Montana about two to three weeks earlier; in Cali- 

 fornia from November I5th to June ist. 



Varieties. For sugar the Kleinwauzlebener and the 

 Vilmorin Improved are popular, and for stock beets 

 the Lane's Improved Imperial, Danish Improved, 

 Queen of Denmark, White Green Top and White 

 Rose Top are grown. 



Irrigation. As the sugar beet is often grown in 

 regions of light rainfall, it is often necessary to supply 

 water by artificial means to insure a profitable crop. 



Water should never be 

 applied to this crop un- 

 less it absolutely needs it. 

 During dry spells the 

 sugar beet sends down its 

 tap roots to the lower 

 soil in search for water, 

 but if it is irrigated it 

 will not do this and will 

 possibly suffer should a 

 long dry spell occur. If 

 beets do not appear wilted 

 in the early morning, they 

 should not be supplied 

 with water. 



The water is usually 

 applied in the rows and 

 at such times as neces- 

 sary. Water should never 

 be applied late in the 

 season, as it tends to 

 produce growth and de- 

 creases the sugar content. 



A WELL-SHAPED SUGAR BEET. 



