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this top six inch layer supplies most of the water and nutrients for the plants. 

 Tills layer should be plugged just as full of fertility as it will hold whether 

 it be by manure, sod crops, green manure crops, commercial fertilizer, or any 

 combination of these. 



Fifth, most growers are aware of the danger of damage by white grubs 

 following plowing under a sod. Occasionally a nevrcomer fails to grub proof 

 the land after plowing a sod and loses a considerable number of plants. 

 Following sod with strawberries has proved very satisfactory with some growers 

 provided (1) there are not too many noxious weeds in the sod, (2) the land is 

 grub proofed, and (3) extra nitrogen is added to prevent a deficiency while the 

 sod is decomposing. 



Sixth, blossom removal during the first year of a strawberry bed is 

 extremely important. It is often haphazardly or Inadequately done. The 

 development of fruit the first year weakens the plant, slows its development, 

 and results in lower yield the second year. Even the development of the flowers 

 is a drain on the plant. Blossom buds should be removed as soon as they show 

 above the crowns. 



Seventh, short water supply is often a factor in low yield. A sprinkler 

 system can be used to prevent spring frost as well as supply moisture at 

 critical times during dry seasons. The value of such a system is recognized by 

 most growers. Yet, there are still many who for one reason or another have 

 Inadequate systems or none at all. 



Eighth, weed control is the place where many growers lose out. Good weed 

 control is practiced during the spring and early summer but during late summer 

 and fall when the job becomes more difficult Inadequate attention results in 

 the weeds taking over, sometimes to the point where cropping becomes hopeless. 

 Good weed control still has to be obtained with some use of the cultivator and 

 hoe. Chemicals can reduce the work but cannot be expected to entirely replace 

 these useful implements. 



Nineth, a grower frequently finds himself with the wrong size unit. It 

 is too small for mechanical equipment but larger than he can care for ade- 

 quately alone. Some operations have to be skimped or omitted. This Is the sort 

 of situation which often results in a very weedy field. 



If the object of growing strawberries is merely to have a few berries, 

 they are a relatively easy crop to raise with comparatively little effort. On 

 the other hand, if the object is the maximum net return, the various factors 

 mentioned require careful attention for it is high yield per acre at minimum 

 cost per unit which gives a high net Income, 



John S, Bailey 



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