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SUCCESSFUL FARMING 



for a compact and well-pulverized seed-bed. In the winter wheat regions 

 the soils are frequently dry at the time winter wheat should be seeded. 



A roller known as the subsurface packer has come into use in the 

 semi-arid regions. This implement, consisting of a series of heavy disks, 

 is so constructed as to compact the soil to a considerable depth, leaving 

 two or three inches of loose soil at the surface. It encourages capillary 

 rise of water without encouraging surface evaporation. 



Details of a Good Seed Bed. 1 



Character of Seed-Bed. — The ideal seed-bed is determined by the 

 character of crop to be grown. Wheat, rye, alfalfa, the clovers and most 

 small seeds call for a finely pulverized, compact seed-bed. If these con- 

 ditions are combined with a good supply of moisture these crops will 

 make a prompt and satisfactory growth. Such crops as corn and potatoes 

 call for a deep, loose seed-bed, and do not demand the same degree of 

 pulverization of the soil as the crops r above mentioned. Oats and barley 

 do best with a fairly loose and open seed-bed, but demand fairly good 



1 Courtesy of The Campbell Soil Culture Publishins Co. From "Wheat," by Ten Eyck. 



