The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1900-10-25
THE GROWING OF WHEAT.

on alfalfa to one of our recent issues,
writes the following valuable hints on
wheat growing to an exchange, and as
This is Il subject of unusual interest to
our readers at this time, We arc glad
to reprint this letter as follows
This is the greatest of all the bread
crops. We should study itsaature and
adaptations SO that VIC can address
ourselves TO wheat growing intelligent
ly. Wheat generally means winter
wheat. Spring wheat is only adapted
to limited localities. Winter wheat is
biennial plant. 1t requires part OF
two years in reaching full maturity. 1t
needs the fall of one year for root de-
vclopmcnt, and tho spring OF anothcr
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 be full seed crop.
But if from any cause the root develop
mcnt is incomplete, the grain Will be
cuo 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 as practicable in fall, 80 as to
reach the greatest possible growth be-
fore mid-wintcr checks them. Scptcm-
| Der in most of this country would he
| the best time, all things considered.
But local conditions often change this.
The lIcssian fly must be considered.
If we SOW too early this fly may cause
great damage and sometimes complete
ruin. They arc much worse where
| there is grass upon the land, and much
less troublesome after any crop that
has required clean culture. Hence il
is often matter Of ":cat importance
what crop to follow. Cotton gives tie
best possible preparation for wheat.
But the cotton crop does nOt mature
early enough, hence many prefer to
follow corn. Peas arc better. They
leave the soil in excellent condition
mechanically, and store away ammonia
for the use of the wheat. a clover
sod is the bcs, Of all rotations.
PREpAEArION OF SOII. 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 bronen
thoroughly. Deep powing and sub
soiliug and repeated harrOwings 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 dang T.
from rust IS almost entirely avoldcd.
If to this deep and thorough prcpara-
ton we add Il liberal use Of acid phos-
phrtc and potash we have an ideal seed
bed. Various experiments show that
this is a vital point in successful wheat
growing. In bed thus prepared the
roots of wheat sown in September and
early part of Oc,obcr reach such a
wonderful development that there is
little danger Of winter killing. The
roots are so numerous, deep and strong
that they will resist successfully the
power Of frost. Again, the top will be
so far advanced us TO furnish good
covering over the soil. This or en-
covering keeps the soil warm. Wheat
thus sown will have four times thc
root development of wheat sown IN
November. For the South this is a
matter Of first importance.
SELECTING SEED.
There is a great difference in The
yielding power of dilIcron mt varieties of
wheat. Rust Is the great enemy.
Hence, rust proof variety should be
secured if ifpossiblc:, The further South
we go, the greater danger from rust.
Al present the LIED Ambcr'' and
"Turkish Red' seem TO be leaders
along this line. Too much care can
not be given to this point. When
ready TO SOW, the seed should be wal h.
cd in very not water, or III Il solution
Of blucstonc, SO rs to destroy smut,
spores or germs. Sowing with drills
seems to be growing IN favor. This
helps to protect the young plants
against frost. But we rather think the
chief advantage col.lcs from The bet
ter preparation of soil secured by this
plan, together with greater uniformity
Of depth Ill c"vcting the seed.
FEKrIllZING.
i HC Hl'tnuIlllS SIl'ulu I'C uplic btp'tN-
cast and thoroughly Incorporated with
the soil by narrowing. The chlcf point
is to secure us great Sulubility rs pOSSi-
bic, SO as I" render prompt AID I" thc
roots. Ammonia is needed for promu.-
ing healthy growth. This can %cner-
ally be secured from peas or clover, or
thorough culture and harnyarl man
urcs. Acid phosphate is needed [" in
sure heavy grain in the heads, plump
and full. Potash gives strength to the
stems and helps 10 resist rust. II gives
Il healthy tone TO the entire plant, and
This is Of prime Importance.
| RESULTS
If good seed be selected, soil prep
amti"n thorough, fcrt'lizinH properly
propOrtioncd and seed soWn early, The
wheat crop will he sure and profitable.
Carclcssncss, slipshod methods and
,,D, 10