Preparation of Seed-Bed and Planting 115 



to twenty pounds to the acre. More seed is required 

 if the land is not in a condition to hasten germination. 

 The size of seed also affects the amount to be used. It 

 is poor economy to save unnecessarily on beet seed, since 

 a good stand is so indispensable to a good yield. For 

 the average soil that has been well prepared, about fifteen 

 pounds of average seed to the acre gives excellent results. 



The depth of planting is very important. It is easy 

 to plant the seed too deep and thereby to reduce its vitality. 

 The seed of the sugar-beet has little food stored in it. If 

 it is planted deeply, this reserve is used up before the 

 plant is able to manufacture its own food. The depth of 

 moisture necessary to germinate the seed must also be 

 considered. Seed planted in dry soil will not germinate, 

 and it is better to have a plant that is weak due to deep 

 planting than to obtain no plant at all, because of plant- 

 ing in dry soil. Usually seed is planted between three- 

 fourths of an inch and one and a half inches deep. If the 

 condition of the soil permits, shallow planting is to be 

 preferred. This is particularly true on heavy land that 

 is likely to crust. 



Many types of beet drills are on the market. No type 

 is best for all kinds of soils. In some cases the seed is 

 planted one seed in a place and scattered regularly along 

 the row. In some sections a type of drill that drops the 

 seed in hills to facilitate thinning is finding favor. 



THE STAND 



A good stand of beets is so important that every means 

 should be used to secure it. If, for any reason, the first 



