RICE 365 



The method of planting rice in the South Atlantic 

 states differs somewhat from that employed in the Gulf 

 states. In discussing rice planting in South Carolina 

 Knapp says, " Just prior to seeding the land is thoroughly 

 harrowed, all clods pulverized, and the surface smoothed. 

 Trenches 12 inches apart and 2 to 3 inches deep are made 

 with 4-inch trenching hoes at right angles to the drains, 

 and the seed is dropped in these. This is usually covered, 

 but occasionally a planter, to save labor, stirs the seed 

 in clayed water, enough clay adhering to the kernels 

 to prevent their floating away when the water is ad- 

 mitted." 



449. Irrigation practice. The practices employed 

 in the flooding of rice vary in different sections of the rice- 

 belt. Irrigation water should not be applied to the crop 

 until the plants are 6 to 8 inches high except where the 

 application of water is necessary to germinate 'the seed. 

 If a good stand has been secured and the crop is making 

 a vigorous growth, thus shading the land completely, 

 the water need not stand more than two inches deep. 

 In case of a thin stand the water should stand from 4 to 

 6 inches deep. To avoid stagnation and the growth of 

 certain injurious plants, the water should be constantly 

 renewed by permitting a continuous inflow into the high 

 part of the field and a continuous outflow from the lowest 

 part. 



In Louisiana and Texas, water for irrigating rice is sup- 

 plied by rivers, bayous, or deep wells from which it is 

 pumped into the main canals. In lifting this water the 

 centrifugal type of pump has been found most satisfac- 

 tory. The capacity of centrifugal pumps can be calculated 

 from the following data by Bond of the United States 

 Department of Agriculture: 



