292 FIELD CROPS FOR THE COTTON-BELT 



are still far enough below the surface to give ample pro- 

 tection from cold. In the early spring the oats may be 

 given a thorough harrowing, which tends to level the land 

 before harvesting and serves as a cultivation for the crop. 

 Excellent results from this method have been reported 

 by both the Georgia and Alabama Stations. The results 

 of a test at the Alabama Station, in which the open-furrow 

 method of seeding* was compared with broadcast sown, 

 and drilling, are given below: 



Table 31. Average Yields in Bushels of Oats Sown Broad- 

 cast, in Deep Furrows and Drilled with an Eight-inch 

 Drill i 



The above averages are based only on the yields 

 during those years in which both methods have been 

 employed. 



355. Rate of seeding. — The quantity of seed to sow 

 varies somewhat with the method of sowing, the type of oats 

 sown and the locality. The quantity of seed to the acre 

 usually recommended for all varieties of the Red Rust-proof 

 type is two to two and one-half bushels when broadcast 

 and one and one-half to two bushels when drilled with 

 1 Ala. Agr. Exp. Sta. Bui., 173, p. 127. 



