200 



SUGAR BEET SEED. 



pared, which again shows the practical advantage of 

 steeping seed. 



The experiments of Schultze-Fleeth, as regards 

 the power of absorption of soil,* are as follows : 



We cannot conclude from these data that the time 

 and manner of sowing must depend upon the soil being 

 used and the country where this special cultivation is 

 practiced. If there is danger of abnormal heat during 

 the first few weeks after sowing on sandy soil, the 

 operations should be conducted as rapidly as possible. 

 Herein is one of the important reasons why fall plow- 

 ing is preferable to spring plowing, for the rains just 

 before winter saturate the soil with moisture, and this 

 surface is turned under. The ice arid snow form a cov- 

 ering and the moisture is retained until the sowing 

 period comes around, leaving at the same time, air 

 passages, a condition essential for healthy germination. 



Heat. 



Which, in other words, means life. Just as 

 the luxuriant vegetation of a tropical clime differs from 

 the northern regions of our planet, so does the change 

 of season affect plants. The sap that had gone into the 

 roots now returns to give the new life to that portion 

 which had remained dormant during several months. 

 The hand of man in this cjuestion can help nature. By 

 many authorities it is admitted that 130 degrees C. 

 (266 degrees F.) are needed for seed to germinate in 

 the soil. However, this must not be taken to the let- 



*The soils of Chino, California, liave considerable moisture at a 

 great depth ; the roois ill tliat dry cliniate, in searcli of the moisture, 

 need to jienetrate several strata and arw very eloiifjrated and rich in 

 sugar. On the other hand, soils near Lelii, Utah, are irrigated 

 during the early stage of the beets' development, and very satisfac- 

 tory results are thus obtained. 



