176 



CORN CROPS 



In no case has the average yield been increased by plant- 

 ing more than 2 inches deep. In heavy soils, such as of 

 the Ohio station, shallow planting was decidedly better, 

 while in loose loam soil, at the Illinois station, the depth of 

 planting did not vary results so much. Also, when the 

 soil is warm and dry the corn should be planted deeper 

 than when the soil is cold. In two years out of seven at 

 the Ohio station, when the soil was drier than common, the 

 3-inch plantings gave the best results. 



Some persons have thought that deep planting would 

 establish the roots deeper in the soil. It has been found, 

 however, that the roots spread out at about the same depth, 

 no matter what the depth of planting. Ordinarily the 

 roots spread out about 1 inch below the surface. 



It would seem, then, there is no object in planting corn 

 deeper than is necessary to insure plenty of moisture for 

 good germination. 



RATE OF PLANTING 



122. The customary rate of planting varies with soils 

 and climate. In the South the corn rows are often 5 feet 

 apart and the hills 4 feet apart, with two stalks to a hill. 

 The rate of planting increases toward the North. Cus- 

 tomary rates are as follows : — 



TABLE XL 



