506 FIELD AND GARDEN PRODUCTS 



cross or double disked and harrowed. When the soil is in good 

 physical condition good crops may be obtained by this method. 



Sowing the Seed. The proper selection of barley for seed is 

 important, but is a factor in the production of the crop which is 

 often neglected. Where the grain is very small or imperfect the 

 vitality is generally poor. Even though these small grains germi- 

 nate, the plants produced are weak and may not survive an unfavor- 

 able season. If they mature, they generally produce grain of in- 

 ferior quality. The lateral grains in the six-rowed barley during 

 unfavorable seasons are light and chaffy and will not germinate, 

 hence they should be removed and only plump seed sown. The 

 stand will be considerably improved by the removal of this inferior 

 seed. It is generally true that large, plump seeds contain larger 

 germs than small ones and produce stronger and more vigorous 

 plants, which rapidly develop large, healthy root systems. This 

 rapid development of the root systems aids them to resist drought 

 or other unfavorable conditions. Where a well-established root sys- 

 tem is developed early in the growth of the plant, the maximum 

 (juantity of moisture and plant food for its successful development 

 is supplied. On the Great Plains, where barley is injured by the 

 blowing of the soil, a plant with a strong root system can better re- 

 tain its hold than a weak-rooted one. 



If, owing to unfavorable weather conditions during the ripen- 

 ing period or after harvest, the seed is of doubtful viability, several 

 lots of 100 grains each should be taken from different parts of the 

 seed bin and tested in plates of moist sand or earth, or between 

 sheets of moist blotting paper. If less than 90 grains of each lot show 

 vigorous germination, better seed should be obtained or the quantity 

 of seed sown per acre increased. 



Barley should be sown as soon as danger from severe frosts is 

 over and the soil is sufficiently warm and dry to prepare a good seed 

 bed. This date varies in the Northern States from April 1 to May 

 15, according to the locality and season. In the central portion of 

 the United States planting begins as early as March 1 and continues 

 until the middle of April. In the Southern and Central States where 

 winter barley is sown, seeding between September 15 and October 15 



ives best results. Where the crop is liable to attack from insects, 

 ctober 1 to 15 is preferable. If intended for pasture, however, the 

 seeding should be done early in August. In the Southwestern States 

 seeding is most successful when done in November, December, and 

 January. In California the seeding of barley extends from Novem- 

 ber to March, according to the elevation, location, and season. 



The best method of sowing barley is in drills 6 or 8 inches 

 apart. This method insures even distribution of the seed and places 

 tne grain at the proper depth for germination, thus promoting a 

 perfect stand. Grain in drills can withstand a dry season better 

 than that sown broadcast, as the plants develop a deeper root system, 

 enabling them to absorb more plant food and moisture from the 

 soil. Where the crop is drilled there is a better opportunity for air 

 and sunlight to penetrate, an important factor during a moist sea- 



