8 DRY LAND FARMING 



why in the semi-arid areas winter crops are chiefly grown 

 when the rainfall is greatest in winter, and is followed by 

 dry weather by the time when summer arrives. They 

 mature in advance of the coming of the dry weather. 



The methods of cultivation by which crops may be 

 grown have a marked influence on the choice of the crops 

 to be grown. Those that *may be given the largest 

 amount of cultivation during growth, other things being- 

 equal, are the most likely to succeed. Because of this 

 such crops as corn and sorghum are most likely to suc- 

 ceed. Next to these are crops that may be disced or 

 harrowed more or less while they are growing, such as 

 alfalfa and the small grains. The most difficult crops to 

 grow in dry areas are grasses, since they are given little 

 or no cultivation while they are growing. From what 

 has been said it is evident that in a dry country the range 

 of the crops grown is less wide than the same in a humid 

 country. 



Growing crops by special methods. In dry areas 

 crops are usually grown by special methods, that is by 

 methods that differ more or less from the methods usual- 

 ly followed in humid areas. The methods relate: (1) 

 to the preparation of the soil ; (2) to sowing or planting 

 the crop; (3) to the cultivation given subsequently to 

 planting, and (4) to the order in the succession in which 

 they are grown. The methods to be followed in prepar- 

 ing the soil and in planting and cultivating the crops will 

 be given in detail later. At this time the aim will be 

 simply to call attention to the sense in which these opera- 

 tions are special. 



The preparation of the land is special in the pains 

 taken to increase the moisture supply in the soil, and 

 to hold it in the same until it is needed for the crops. 

 In humid climates but little attention is paid to increas- 

 ing the moisture content in the soil. Generally speaking 

 the supply is ample in these to germinate the grain. 



