192 FIELD CROP PRODUCTION 



The yield per acre varies from 10 to 50 bushels, the 

 average yield being probably about 20 bushels. The 

 average farm value of buckwheat per bushel for the past 

 ten years has been about 60 cents. 



180. Cultural methods. Buckwheat is best adapted 

 to a cool, moist climate. High temperature and excessive 

 rainfall during the later period of growth is disastrous 

 to the crop, as such weather blasts the flowers. Buckwheat 

 will grow on a great variety of soils, and is especially well 

 adapted to those which are thin and light. Most fre- 

 quently it is grown on soils too poor or rough to produce 

 good yields of other crops. The preparation of the seed 

 bed usually is given little attention, but experience has 

 shown that the crop will respond to more considerate 

 treatment with sufficient increase of yield to more than 

 compensate for the extra labor. The land is usually 

 plowed as for the cereals, but too frequently the plowing 

 is delayed until late in the season, which results in a seed 

 bed of poor physical condition. Early plowing and 

 proper preparation to secure a firm, well-pulverized seed 

 bed is most likely to result in a profitable yield. 



181. Seeding. Buckwheat will mature in a shorter 

 season than any of the other grain crops. If favorable 

 weather prevails, it may be harvested in 8 to 12 weeks after 

 seeding. The seeding is usually done in June or early 

 July, and it may be sown broadcast or put in with the grain 

 drill. The grain drill is to be recommended, as by its use 

 a more uniform rate of seeding is secured. The rate of 

 seeding varies from 3 to 5 pecks per acre. 



182. Harvesting. The crop should be cut before the 

 first heavy frost. In New York and Pennsylvania almost 

 all of the crop is cut with the grain binder, a hand cradle, 

 or a self-rake. It is allowed to dry in the swath for a few 



