SOILS AND FERTILIZERS 



315 



Whole canes are sometimes planted in furrows; they may be 

 cut in sections, bearing one or more buds, and distributed along 

 the furrows. Annual planting is usually not necessary, even in the 

 gulf states, as one planting will usually yield profitable cuttings 

 of cane for two or three years. In warmer climates replanting is 

 much less frequent. It has been found that certain varieties are 

 best propagated by using only the tops of the canes, as the buds 

 there are more vigorous. 



The crop is grown in rows four to six feet apart, and pieces of 

 cane bearing one or two buds are dropped about two feet apart 



FIG. 208. Stripped sugar cane to be planted in furrows for the next crop; dipping the 

 "seed cane" in whale-oil soap solution before planting to disinfect it and prevent root 

 disease in the growing crop. (Louisiana Station.) 



in the furrows. These are covered to a depth of about three 

 inches, by the use of a plow or cultivator. 



A less common practice of planting the sections of cane is to 

 thrust one end in the mellow ground in a slanting position, leaving 

 one end with its bud protected above the surface. New varieties 

 of sugar-cane are developed by seed propagation. Seed is often 

 developed at the top of the cane in tropical climates, and some 

 fertile seed is sometimes secured. 



Soils and Fertilizers. Rich, well drained botton lands, or 

 other fertile soils, produce good crops of sugar cane. Good 

 drainage is more essential in the cooler regions of the cane belt. 

 The quality of the syrup is said to be affected by poor drainage. 



