CORN 65 



the growth of plants. Other influences have much to do 

 with determining the proper depth of plowing for corn. If 

 the ground is plowed in the fall, it may be safe to plow an 

 inch or more deeper than it would be wise to plow the same 

 ground in the spring. The frosts and freezes of winter 

 will do much to mellow and "tame" the soil that has never 

 been exposed to the more active weathering influences. 



If much organic matter is to be plowed under, it should 

 be done in the fall in order to give it time to decay before 

 the spring crop is planted. 



Preparation of see'd-bed. Broadly speaking, everything 

 done to the soil is a part of the work of preparing the bed 

 for the seed to be sown or planted. Plowing and fertilizing 

 the ground are steps in the preparation of the seed-bed, but 

 we must be concerned here with the immediate preparation 

 of the soil to receive- the seed. The use of the harrow after 

 the land has been plowed for corn is the simplest method of 

 preparing for" planting. On land plowed in the fall or early 

 winter, it is advisable to go over the ground once or twice 

 with the disk or cutaway harrow before using the smooth- 

 ing harrow; and in many cases the roller or wooden drag 

 may follow the other implements with profit. A modern im- 

 plement known as the "culti-packer" seems to make ideal 

 seed-bed preparation, since it both packs and mulches the 

 soil. Finally, after the corn has been planted, further prepa- 

 ration of the soil for the growing corn may be made by going 

 over it once or twice with the smoothing harrow. A seed- 

 bed in perfect condition to give the corn plants the best kind 

 of a start is almost equivalent to a guarantee of a good crop. 



