20 



BULLETIN 748, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



prevails on the heavier soil types. Again, after blocking and thin- 

 ning it is often advisable to use a roller to smooth the surface and to 

 firm the soil around the young and tender plants. 



The average labor requirements and cost per acre were practically 

 the same, regardless of whether the work was done before or after 

 planting. 



The cost per acre for one time over on individual farms ranged 

 from 20 cents to 50 cents per acre. The use of a 1-man and 2-horse 

 crew was universal in all districts studied. 



PLANTING. 



Planting covered a period from April 5 to June 1. Most of the 

 work, however, was done during a period extending from April 20 

 to May 20. In a few instances, where the seed was planted on sand} 7 

 soil, wind storms blew it out and it was necessary to replant a 

 fractional part of the acreage. These areas were so small, however, 

 that no charge has been included for seed used in replanting. (See 

 Table XL) 



Table XI. — Planting. 





Per cent 



of all 

 records. 



Acres 



planted 



per 



farm. 



Hours of labor per 

 acre. 



Labor 

 cost per 





Man. 



Horse. 



acre. 



Caro 



Alma 



Orand Rapids 



100 

 100 

 89 

 99 



15.13 



9.54 

 6.80 

 15.77 



1.10 

 1.12 

 1.19 

 1.02 



2.13 

 1.92 

 1.98 

 2.04 



$0.41 

 .41 

 .44 

 .40 









The seed was purchased from the sugar companies, at a cost of 15 

 cents per pound. The average rate for seeding for all areas was i5 

 pounds per acre. A few men used a little less, a few more. The 

 lowest amount reported was 9 pounds and the highest 22 pounds 

 per acre. On four farms in the Grand Rapids district the seed was 

 sown with a hand drill at a cost of 73 cents per acre. One farmer 

 in northwestern Ohio hired another operator to do the planting. 

 These farms are not included in the table. 



The seed is planted in continuous, solid rows to insure a good stand. 

 Later, when the seed has germinated and the young plants have 

 pushed through the ground, they are thinned out to a suitable dis- 

 tance. This operation will be discussed under a separate heading. 

 Seed was planted at a depth of from one-half to 1 inch. 



Ordinary grain drills and special beet drills (fig. 13) were used to 

 do the planting. Where grain drills are used all the hoes are re- 

 moved except the ones distributing the seed, and they may or may 

 not be equipped with press wheels. The special beet drills are of two 



