CHAPTER V 

 TILLAGE, FERTILIZING AND ROTATION 



The soil adapted to sweet potato culture is usually 

 easy to prepare, in about the same way as for com or 

 cotton. It should always be borne in mind that very 

 thorough preparation is repaid in the ease of cultivation 

 to follow. The depth of cultivation has considerable in- 

 fluence on the character of the product. 



If the soil has not been broken deeply before, a little 

 more should be plowed each succeeding year rather than 

 the entire depth the first year. The land may first be 

 prepared either by flat breaking or by ridges thrown up 

 to form rows. It is important that the land should be 

 harrowed within a few hours after plowing. It should 

 be thoroughly pulverized, and this may be done shortly 

 after a shower while the lumps and clods are still soft. 

 After this work has been completed, the soil should be 

 mellow to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, and the surface 

 smooth and even. 



Preparation for planting. 



After the land has been plowed and fitted for the 



sweet potato crop, it should be allowed to lie idle several 



days before planting. If potatoes are to be planted 



flat for level culture, only a harrow and a marker axe 



necessary for planting. The harrow should be run both 



ways and the surface thoroughly pulverized. The 



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