HARROWING OATS 191 



may be covered too deeply. Less seed is required for sowing 

 with the drill, since there is no loss from seed which fails to 

 grow because of too much or too little covering. The yield 

 is usually better because of the more uniform stand and 

 growth and the more uniform distribution of the plants. 



The proper depth to cover the seed depends to some 

 extent on the nature of the soil and the climatic conditions. 

 Seed should be covered somewhat more deeply in loose, 

 sandy soil than in compact clays or clay loams. In semi- 



Fig. 66. Sowing oats on a field which was in corn the previous year,and which 

 has been disked but not plowed. 



arid regions where the surface soil is likely to dry out, deeper 

 seeding is necessary than where plenty of moisture is avail- 

 able. In general, covering to a depth of from 1 to 2 inches 

 will give best results. 



232. Harrowing. Harrowing oats after they are up 

 is often recommended as a means of saving moisture by 

 breaking the crust and lessening evaporation, and also as a 

 means of destroying weeds. Harrowing is most profitable 

 in the drier portions of the country, and on drilled oats. 



