CROP COMPOSITION 



229 



higher than under the flooding method. However, the 

 composition of the crop showed the greatest sensitive- 

 ness to cultural methods in the matter of the time of 

 applying irrigation water. Some of the results obtained 

 are shown in the following table: 



Clearly, the response of the composition of the crop 

 to the time of application is greatest when the total 

 quantity of water used is small. It seems to be the invari- 

 able rule that when the greater part of the water is applied 

 early in the season, the percentage of protein is highest. 

 On the other hand, when the distribution is such that 

 the percentage of moisture remains constant throughout 

 the growing season, the percentage of protein falls. When 

 water is so applied that a high moisture period is followed 

 by a low moisture period, the protein percentage increases. 

 A more complete examination of this subject might go 

 far in determining the time at which water should be 

 applied. It offers an alluring field of experimentation 

 for those engaged hi irrigation study. 



The time at which grain is planted also helps to 

 determine the composition of grain. When planted in 



