IRRIGATION OF CEREALS 



257 



twice to four times between irrigations. By this method 

 the water-cost of the crop may be greatly reduced. More- 

 over, thorough cultivation yields a corn crop having a 

 much higher feeding value than one which has received 

 less thorough cultivation. 



Irrigation water is invariably applied to corn in fur- 

 rows, although the flooding methods may be used. Since 



FIG. 64. Producing power of 30 acre-inches (wheat). 



corn is inter-tilled, it is much more convenient and satis- 

 factory to irrigate by the furrow method and, further, 

 the corn plant should not be in contact with water. The 

 furrow is dug half way between the rows. For reasons 

 already discussed the furrows should not be made too 

 long. 



Corn land may well be irrigated in the fall and winter, 

 if the natural precipitation during those seasons is not 

 sufficient to saturate the soil thoroughly. The soil should 

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