CROP PRODUCTION 73 



An important factor influencing both time and method of 

 harvesting many crops relates to their preservation. When 

 the moisture content in the harvested crop is high, it is liable 

 to be injured by the action of molds and bacteria. Such 

 crops as grains lose moisture as they mature. Delay in 

 harvesting these crops until they are well matured favors 

 their preservation. In 1917, an enormous loss of corn oc- 

 curred, owing to its immaturity when husked. On the other 

 hand, hay crops are cut before the plants are mature and, 

 therefore, contain much water. Curing hay is essentially a 

 drying process in which the water content is reduced below 

 the danger point, that is, below the amount needed for the 

 active growth of molds and bacteria. 



To avoid this danger also, it is important to protect recently 

 cut crops from rain as much as possible, as, for example, by 

 putting wheat in shocks and hay in cocks. 



Most of the farm practice in harvesting is the result of 

 long experience and is, in general, a safe guide. It is well, 

 however, to try to understand the reasons for the procedure 

 that is followed in harvesting each crop. 



