ROOT CROPS 299 



varieties taper from the crown to the tap root, while others 

 are cylindrical for at least two-thirds their length and then 

 taper to the tap root. In other varieties the carrot ends abruptly 

 and the tap root arises from a comparatively flat surface. The 

 so-called stump-root varieties are considered desirable for 

 shallow soils. 



378. Adaptation. Carrots have a wider climatic adaptation 

 than mangel-wurzels and rutabagas, but prefer a deeper sandy 

 loam. They may be successfully grown on less fertile soils 

 than the former. Stable manure, unless well rotted, is best 

 applied to the previous crop, because of the necessity for a fine 

 seed-bed and as few weeds as may be. Carrots are not much 

 affected by fungous diseases or insect enemies. 



379. Seeding. The commercial seed is a fruit. Since the 

 spines of the fruit cause the seeds to cling together, they are 

 sometimes removed, thus enabling the seed drill to place the 

 seed more uniformly. There are 410,000 to 460,000 seeds to 

 the pound. The percentage of germination is apt to be low, 

 but should not be below 80 per cent. It is desirable to have 

 plants about three inches apart in rows about 30 inches wide, 

 or from 50,000 to 60,000 plants per acre. It is customary to 

 sow about six pounds of seed per acre, but if seed is good a 

 less quantity should be sufficient. 



380. Cultural Methods. The cultural methods are similar to 

 those for mangel-wurzels and rutabagas. The germination and 

 early growth are even slower than in the case of sugar beets 

 Keeping the land clean and thinning the carrots are the chief 

 difficulties in raising them. 



381. Yield. With a good stand, yields of 10 to 20 tons per 

 acre may be obtained, and yields of 25 to 30 tons are occasionally 

 reported. (359) The percentage of dry matter (n to 13) 

 is higher than for other forms of roots, except sugar beets. 

 The tops of carrots appear to have a higher feeding value than 



