The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1900-10-17
THE GROWING OF WHEAT.

Prof. Jas. b. Uunnicutt, of Georgia,
who contributed an interesting article
on alfalfa to one of our recent issues,
writes the following valuable hints on
wheat growing to an exchange, and rs
this is It subject of unusual interest TO
our readers at this time, we are glad
to reprint this letter as follows
This is the greatest of all the bread
crops. We should study its nature and
adaptations SO that we can address
ourselves to wheat growing intelligent
ly. Wheat generally means winter
wheat. Spring wheat is only adapted
to limited localities. Winter wheat is
a biennial plant. 1t requires rart of
two years in reaching full maturity. 1t
needs the fall Of II year for root de-
vclopmcnt, and the spring of another
year for seed development. AS
root development must come
first, this is the most important part
for us to look after. If this is perfect,
then there may he n full seed crop.
But if from any cause the root develop
mcnL is incomplete, the grain will be
cut short.
SOWING TIE GRAIN.
We now sec that the manner of
sowing the grain is very important.
The roots must have timo and room
and food, or they will not reach full
growth. The time should be about SIX
months, and hence should begin as
early rs practicable in fall, 60 as to
reach the greatest possible growth be-
fore mid-winter checks them. Scptcm-
Der in most of this country would be
The best time, all things considered
But local conditions often change this.
The IIcssian fly must be considered.
Ii we sou too carly this fly may cause
great damage and sometimes complete
ruin. They are much worse where
there is grass upon the land, and much
less troublesome after any crop that
has required clean culture. Hence it
is often Il matter Of great Importance
what crop to follow. Cotton gives the
best possible preparation for wheat.
But the cotton crop does not mature
early enough, hence many prefer to
follow corn. Peas are better. They
leave the soil in excellent condition
mechanically, and store away ammonia
for the use of the wheat. A clover
sod is the best of all rotations.
rREPARATION or SOIL BEDS.
Wheat roots desire to 90 down four
and onc-half TO five feet in the earth
seeking water and food. This they
will do if the hardpan IS 5lokcn
thoroughly. Deep blowing and sub
soiling and repeated borrowings will
all pay. The cultivation must be done
before sowing the seed. A deep mel
low root bed is OF prime Importance.
If the SOIL bed is perfect the danger
from rust Is almost entirely avoided.
If to this deep and thorough prepare
ton we add a liberal use of acid phos-
plate and potash we have an ideal seed
bed. Various experiments show that
this is a vital point in successful wheat
growing. In Il bed thus prcItalcd the
roots of wheat sown in September and
early part of October reach such a
wonderful development that there is
little danger of winter killing. The
roots are so numerous, deep and str0n"
that they will resist successfully The
power of frost. Again, the top viii be
so far advanced us to furnish Il good
covering over the soil. This green
covering keeps the soil warm. Wheat
thus sown will have four times the
root development Of wheat sown IN
November. For the South this is Il
matter of Iilst Importance.
SELECTING SEED.
There is il great difference i'm the
yielding power of different varieties of
wheat. Rust Is the great enemy.
Hence, Il rust proof variety should be
secured if possible. The further South
We go, the greater danger from rust.
AT present the Cred AMBER and
"Turkish Red" seem to be leaders
along this line. TOO much care cam
not be given to this point. When
ready to SOW, the seed should be wash
ed in very not water, or IN a solution
OIL blucstonc, SO as TO destroy smut,
spores or germs. Sowing with drills
seems to be growing III favor. This
helps to protect the young plants
against frost. But we rather think the
chief advantage comes from the bet
ter preparation of soil secured by this
plan, together with greater uniformity
OF depth iii covering the seed.
F~ERTILIIING.
The manuring should be done broad
cast and thoroughly incorporated with
the soil by narrowing. The chief point
is to secure as great solubility as posi-
bic, so as to render prompt aid to Che
roots. Ammonia is needed for promot-
ing healthy growth. This can gcuer-
ally be secured from peas or clover, or
thorough culture and barnyard man
ures. Acid phosphate is needed to in.
sure heavy grain in the heads, plump
and full. Potash gives strength to the
stems and helps to resist lust. Ii gives
a healthy tone to the entire plant, and
this is OF prime Importance.
RESULTS.
If good seed be selected, soil prep
aratlon thorough, %fcrtilizing properly
proportional and seed sown early, the
wheat crop will be sure and profitable.
Carclessness, slipshod methods and
general inattention have made man
farmers flour buyers, who should be
wheat sellers. From thirty to forty
bushels should be the average yield
from intelligent sowing. Wheat grow
ing is no limited by climate or soil,
but by intelligent sowing. Hence we
say to every Southern farmer