32 Bulletin 1356, U. S. Department of Agriculture 
greater yields were obtained from the deeper than from the more 
shallow plowing. 
The average increase of 477 pounds of rice per acre obtained on a 
smooth seed bed shows that a rough seed bed is not suited for the 
seeding of rice. 
The average yields obtained in the date-of-seeding experiments 
show that the best approximate date for sowing rice is May 14. 
Earlier seeding than this approximate date, especially on land that 
is foul with weeds, often results in a weedy crop. 
"Weedy fields should be lightly disked repeatedly until Ma} 7 10, and 
later if necessary. 
The largest average acre yield was obtained when seed was sown 
with a drill at the rate of 80 pounds per acre, although the yield 
from the 100-pound drilled seeding was practically the same. The 
largest average yields of rice were obtained from sowing at the depth 
of 1 inch. 
Acid phosphate, sulphate of ammonia, nitrate of soda, and cotton- 
seed meal did not increase the yield of rice when applied alone, 
nor did acid phosphate when applied with other fertilizers. 
Dried blood may be advantageously applied as a source of nitrogen 
for rice when a legume is not used to supply this plant food. 
Sulphate of potash applied at the rate of 100 pounds per acre 
produced an increase in yield when used alone and with sulphate of 
ammonia. 
Sedges, which often become troublesome weeds, are greatly re- 
duced in number when lime is applied, and the yield of rice may be 
increased by the application of limited quantities of limestone at 
intervals of several years. 
The best yields of rice obtained at the rice experiment station were 
secured not by the use of fertilizers but by growing the crop in 
rotation with the Biloxi soybean. 
Soybeans should be sown in rows 4 feet apart at the rate of 30 
pounds of seed per acre, and not earlier than the last week in May 
or later than June 15. The crop should be harvested after the leaves 
have fallen, but not until the pods will open readily when pressed 
between the fingers. 
Pasturing weedy fields is not effective in controlling red rice. 
The soybean rotation not only produces the best yields of rice but 
also effectively controls red rice and other weeds. Thorough tillage 
before seeding both the soybeans and the rice is an important part 
of the weed-control program. 
Good drainage, good tillage, and proper crop rotation make un- 
necessary the application of any commercial fertilizer to the Crowley 
silt loam at the present time. 
The average yield obtained by submerging the land 15 days after 
the rice plants emerged was 720 pounds greater than that obtained 
by submerging 15 days later. With each successive later date of 
submergence there was further reduction in average vield. 
A submergence of 8 inches probably is the greatest depth of water 
that is required for profitable yields" of rice, while a depth of 6 or 
even 4 inches may be sufficient on very level land where low levees 
are used. 
WASHINGTON : GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1925 
