WHEA1\ CULTURAL NOTES 143 



PREPARATION OF SEEDBED 





In order to learn what effects the time and method of prepar- 

 ing the seedbed have upon the yield of wheat, a test was carried on 

 in 1918 as shown in Table V. In this test a 'plot was plowed 

 on each of the dates, July 20, August 1, August 15, Septem- 

 ber 2, and September 16 ; six plots were disked once over with a 

 double disk on August 1 and plowed at three later dates, two each 

 on August 15, September 2, and September 16, and finally, dupli- 

 cate plots were disked thoroughly on August 1, August 15, and 

 September 16 and seeded without plowing. The entire set of plots 

 was seeded on September 24 at the rate of 8 pecks per acre. Al- 

 though too much reliance should not be put on a one-year test, it is 

 interesting to note that the results secured are supported by the 

 common experience of good farmers and the work of other experi- 

 ment stations. The plot plowed July 20 gave the highest yield, 

 which was 19 percent more than that of the one plowed September 

 2. The plot plowed August 1 was second with a gain of 15 percent 

 over September 2. The plot plowed September 16 yielded better 

 than the one plowed September 2, due to timely rains between 

 these two dates which greatly improved the later plowing. How- 

 ever, this plot did not yield as much as plots plowed in July and 

 August. Early disking followed by later plowing did not yield as 

 well as early plowing, although the ground broke up fine and mel- 

 low after disking. The plots which were disked only did not yield 

 nearly as well as the plots that were plowed. 



TABLE V. PREPARATION OF SEEDBED FOR WHEAT 



These tests indicate that early plowing of stubble or sod 

 ground for wheat is preferable to disking or later plowing. 



