228 



POTATOES 



Machine planters are of several types (Fig. 162). These 

 differ chiefly in their method of distributing the pieces of seed. 

 A good machine will open the furrow, distribute the seed pieces as 

 desired, spread some fertilizer in such a way as to not bring it 

 in contact with the seed, and will cover the row to any depth 

 desired. Such a machine is drawn by one team and can be operated 

 by one man, but in some types of planters he is assisted by an 

 active boy who helps in the even distribution of the pieces of 

 seed. 



The depth of covering varies considerably, due to custom, 

 kind of soil and method of cultivation. Potatoes will sprout 



readily in light soil when covered 

 to a depth of four or five inches. 

 If the soil is heavy and the sea- 

 son is wet they should be cov- 

 ered much less. 



When machine planters are 

 not used the rows are usually 

 opened by the use of a plow and 

 the seed is dropped by hand. 

 The covering may be done either 

 by harrow, drag, plow, or by the 

 use of hoes. 



Cultivating the Crop. There 

 are two chief methods of cul- 

 tivating potatoes : Level culture 

 and the ridging method. 



FIG. 162. This type of planter requires T-irpl Pn lt lirP io Kp?t 



two men to operate it one drives the team l^CVei 



and the other distributes the potatoes in the i.~ lio-Vit nil<a onrl fn r\r\r 



dropping disk to insure uniform planting. CO ilgnt SOUS and tO dry 



(Bateman Mfg. Co.) j n either method the harrow 



may be used over the field after planting is done, and may be 

 continued during the sprouting and early growth of the plants 

 until the vines begin to spread or lie down. The cultivator is 

 then used between the rows. Frequent cultivation to prevent the 

 crusting of the ground is more important with this crop than with 

 corn or cotton, because the crop cannot develop unless the ground 

 be kept mellow and the supply of moisture is saved. If the ground 

 is heavy and has become packed, some very deep cultivating is 

 usually practiced to advantage before the roots have reached far 

 into the middles. After that shallow tillage is necessary. 



Ridging is most common for early potatoes, but is sometimes 



