METHODS OF SOIL MANAGEMENT 131 



pulverization of the soil. As a rule, all small seeds need a seed-bed that 

 has been thoroughly well prepared, while larger seeds, and especially 

 those of crops that are to be inter-tilled, may be planted with less thorough- 

 ness in seed-bed preparation. The after-tillage will often overcome a 

 lack of previous preparation. 



An even distribution of seed, especially when it is sown broadcast, 

 is essential. This, together with uniformity in germination, makes for 

 perfection in stand of plants. The character of seed-bed is important in 

 this connection. A well-prepared seed-bed facilitates a good stand, 

 while a poorly prepared one often does just the reverse. 



Cultivation and Hoeing. Cultivation and hoeing pertain wholly to 

 inter-tilled crops, such as corn, potatoes, beets, tomatoes, cabbage and a 

 great many other garden crops. As a rule, cultivation should be sufficiently 

 frequent during the early stages of growth to maintain a satisfactory 

 soil mulch and destroy all weeds. This is best accomplished by cultivating 

 or hoeing at just the right time. Weeds are easily destroyed when quite 

 small. One cultivation at the right time is more effective than two or 

 three cultivations when weeds have become large. As a rule, little is to 

 be gained by inter-tillage when there are no weeds and when there is a 

 satisfactory soil mulch. The frequency of cultivation is, therefore, largely 

 determined by these factors. Ordinarily, nothing is to be gained by 

 cultivating deeper than necessary to destroy weeds and maintain a good 

 soil mulch. Two to three inches in depth is generally sufficient. Deep 

 cultivation frequently destroys roots of the crop cultivated, much to its 

 detriment. 



Throughout most of the corn belt shallow and level cultivation is 

 practiced. This seems to give better results than deeper cultivation or 

 the ridging of the soil by throwing the earth toward the corn plants. 

 Ridging the soil causes rain to flow quickly to the depressions midway 

 between the rows, and encourages soil erosion. Level cultivation with 

 numerous small furrows close together encourages more thorough pene- 

 tration of the rain. Level cultivation makes the seeding of oats easy, as 

 it generally follows the corn with no other preparation than the disking 

 of the land. 



Control of Weeds. The time of plowing and the frequency and 

 character of cultivation are related to the growth and eradication of 

 weeds. Weed-seeds turned under to the full depth of plowing frequently 

 lie dormant until the ground is again plowed and they are brought near 

 to the surface. On spring-plowed land it is generally advisable to allow 

 time for the weed-seeds to germinate, after which the small weeds may be 

 destroyed by harrowing. Then crops may be planted with comparative 

 safety so far as weed competition is concerned. In case of late plowing, 

 it is advisable to plant or seed very promptly after the land is plowed in 

 order that the crops may get ahead of the weeds. 



Weeds are a great menace to crops, and especially to those that do 



