184 SOILS AND PLANT LIFE 



out. It is a notable fact that sod ground can be plowed 

 earlier in the spring than any other ground, due to the fact 

 that the abundance of roots in the soil prevents the baking 

 which invariably follows the turning of other ground while 

 wet. 



The final preparation of spring plowed sod ground should 

 be similar to that of fall plowed sod, save that discing 

 and harrowing should be even more thoroughly and 

 painstakingly done. 



121. Preparing a Seed Bed in Cornstalk Ground. — If 



corn is to be planted on cornstalk ground, the first step 

 in seed bed preparation is the breaking down of the pre- 

 vious year's stalks. Following this, the land (2) should 

 be plowed — unless the lister is to be used — as early as 

 the condition of the soil will permit ; (3) the harrow should 

 follow the plow closely; and (4) when the seed bed is 

 finally prepared for planting, it should be repeatedly 

 disced and harrowed until it has become mellow and well 

 pulverized. 



In breaking down the old stalks, the disc is commonly 

 used. It is driven diagonally through the field and may 

 go over the ground as often as necessary, depending 

 upon the growth of stalks. Only in exceptional cases, if 

 ever, should the stalks be raked up and burned, since this 

 results in the loss of both humus and nitrogen from the 

 soil. (Sections 68 and 110.) 



The plowing should not be done when the ground is so 

 wet that it turns up " slick," as it will then bake, clods 

 will form, and these may remain in the seed bed throughout 

 the season. 



If weeds and grass are allowed to grow before the ground 

 is plowed, they consume plant food, which the young 

 plants are certain to need later. 



