108 BUCKWHEAT 



growth is not extensive and consists of a main root with 

 sufficient branches to hold the plant firmly in the ground 

 and to secure adequate moisture and nourishment for its 



m 



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Fig. 57- Silver Hull buckwheat on left ; Japanese buckwheat on right. 



existence. It grows and gives returns on soil too poor for 

 the growing of ordinary crops. Buckwheat responds readily 

 to good treatment and by proper preparation of the seed 

 bed and the use of manure the yield can be greatly in- 

 creased. 



Preparation of Seed Bed. --The land on which buck- 

 wheat is grown is usually plowed late in the spring, a few 

 days before sowing. This method is not the best practice, 

 however, as the soil should have ample time to settle 

 before seeding. It is better to plow early in the spring 

 and to run a fine-tooth harrow over the field at weekly 

 intervals until seeding. Where late plowing is resorted 

 to the roller and fine-tooth harrow should be used imme- 

 diately after plowing, and again, after seeding for the 

 purpose of compacting the soil, restoring capillary action 

 through the soil, and pressing the soil particles closely 

 around the seed to facilitate sprouting. 



