220 IRRIGATION FARMING. 



Corn. — The preparation of the soil before planting 

 has more to do with the outcome of the crop than any 

 other operation. Com roots have the habit of grow- 

 ing downward as well as branching. They are deep 

 and broad feeders, in consequence of which the soil 

 must be made loose and mellow to a considerable depth 

 to secure full development. L<and for corn should be 

 plowed to an average depth of ten inches or more for 

 this and another very important reason. Those familiar 

 with the conditions of irrigation know with what 

 rapidity a compa<5l soil looses moisture. Land should 

 always be well irrigated before* plowing, if not suffi- 

 ciently moist. As irrigation restores the soil to its for- 

 mer compa(5lness, it should never be applied upon soils 

 freshly plowed and prepared for planting, unless 

 required to germinate the seed. There are advantages 

 claimed for spring plowing. It enables the farmer to 

 control moisture in making the operations of irrigating, 

 plowing and planting continuous. Irrigating to ger- 

 minate seed after planting should never be practiced, as 

 much of the seed becomes ruined, and feeble growth 

 takes place, which can seldom if ever be overcome by 

 cultivation. Usually two waterings are sufficient dur- 

 ing the growth of a crop, and often one irrigation is 

 preferable. If the soil contains sufficient moisture in 

 the spring to start the crop to a thrifty growing con- 

 dition, and growth seems not to be retarded for want 

 of moisture, watering can be delayed until the tassels 

 begin to appear, at which time drouth would cause 

 great injury to the crop. 



The mistake is often made in the use of a large 

 head of water while irrigating corn and in attempting 



