CHAPTER XVI 

 PREPARATION AND PLANTING 



So far in this book it has been the plan to discuss the 

 fundamentals relating to the nature of the corn plant, its 

 requirements, the conditions that must be met in the grow- 

 ing of corn, and methods of modifying the plant to im- 

 prove yield or quality. 



Having considered the above problems, the next step 

 is to consider cultural methods. The basic principle in 

 cultural methods is largely protection of the crop against 

 unfavorable conditions that may arise, as draught, weeds, 

 insect or parasitic enemies. The cultural method to be 

 adopted in a particular case is the one that most effec- 

 tually insures the crop, and at the least cost. 



Cultural methods must vary with the local situation. 

 In regions of high priced labor and level lands, extensive 

 systems have been developed. In regions of low priced 

 labor and small fields more intensive methods are prac- 

 ticed. The other crops to be grown, the character of the 

 climate, the use of the crop, and many other factors all 

 help to determine the most practical method to be 

 adopted. As with other farm problems, the farmer him- 

 self must largely determine the cultural method to be 

 used on his own farm. 



THE OLD CORN STALKS 



112. In the corn-belt and the Southern States, corn stalks 

 are not harvested, but stand in the fields, to be plowed 

 M 161 



