ROOT CROPS. 5 I i 



Bhowed promise in certain parts of the western slopes, such as [nverell. In 

 cold districts they must be sown as a summers-growing crop, but in localil 

 where the winter is mild, best results are obtained from autumn sowi 

 since weed competition is then ;it a minimum, and the crops escape the 

 i beat of summer, which may induce the plants "to run to seed." 



Varieties. 



A number of variety trials bave been carried out by the Department, at 

 Hawkesbury Agricultural College, and at Grafton, Wollongbar, and Glen 



Junes experiment farm.-, and a large number oi imported and Local varieties 

 tested. A- the result, Mammoth Long Red i- recommended where procur- 

 able. Other varieties winch have done well are Sutton's Sugar, Sutton's Ked 



Intermediate. Sutton"- Prize Winner, Golden Tankard, Yellow-fleshed, and 

 White Sugar Rose Top I tin- Last two being imported varieties from U.S.A.). 



Preparation of the Land and Sowing. 



Thorough preparation of the land is absolutely necessary to ensure 

 successful cropping. The mangold and beet are deep-rooting plants requir- 

 ing a loose soil for proper expansion, while their large feeding-root systems 

 cannot be utilised to best advantage unless the soil can be easily penetrated. 

 Fur these reasons, and to conserve the large amount of moisture required 

 by the crops, preparation should be commenced some months prior to plant- 

 ing, when a deep ploughing should he given, followed by as many barrowings 

 as are necessary to consolidate and to tine the soil. Just before planting 

 the land should be cross-ploughed and harrowed, care being taken not to 

 plough quite as deep as for the first ploughing. 



In the case of mangolds, best results are usually obtained by sowing on 

 ridges; this, particularly in clayey land allows free expansion of the growing 

 roots. The ridges should be 2 feet 6' inches to 3 feet apart, and are made 

 by throwing two furrows together with a plough having a fairly long mould- 

 board, and then running a light roller over the ridges from end to end to 

 firm the soil. Beets may also be planted in this manner, hut if to he grown 

 for their sugar-content (i.e., to supply a factory or to make syrup) they 

 are better grown " on the flat," as they will then develop to the size found 

 to give best results for this purpose. 



March and April are the best months for autumn planting, and Septem- 

 ber and October for spring sowing. Planting is carried out by a special 

 beet drill where the beet sugar industry is established, but a wheat-drill. 

 with all but the necessary tubes blocked, may also be used: the rate of 

 seeding in such cases is 10 to 12 lb. per acre. When sown by hand half the 

 above quantity of seed is sufficient for both crops, and seeds should be 

 dropped about 6 inches apart. The seed should be covered i inch to 1 inch 

 deep, according to the amount of moisture present in the soil at planting 

 time. In this connection it is advisable to choose a time when the soil is 

 moist, for planting in dry soil or deep planting produces slow and patchy 

 germination. 



A very important factor in the production of a good stand is that only 

 the best seed should be used, and it should be tested before planting by 

 placing between sheets of damp blotting-paper or flannel and keeping in a 

 warm room for a few days. What is commonly called the seed is a fruit 

 containing three to five seeds, and 100 -t' these should give at least ninety 



