The Colfax chronicle., 1903-11-07
FARMERANDPLANTER.
ComparativeIy Neglected Crop,
end One to which Southern Soils
ahd Climate are Adapted.


The buckwheat crop of the southern
states is comparatively speaking
small one. Why this should be Is one
of the mysteries that is difficult to ac-
count for, because soil and climate are
suitable and those who grow it report
lavorably upon its profitableness 1t is
also crop which is not exhaustive to
the soil. Our sandy soils of the south
ern states give good results with buck
wheat and a larger return in grain
than almost any small grain that we
grow with the possible exception of
rice. lt is also a crop that resists
drought and hot weather remarkably
wen, its root system being such that it
! goes down deep after moisture in dry
/ weather, thus penetrating the subsoil
and improving the capillary action Of
the soil for future crops. 1T is also a
remedy for insects in the soil, more
particularly the wire. and cut worms
who work such havoc with all crops
OF succulent nature, and is valuable
as a correction for our soil. Some Of
our soils are apt to turn sour and
sure sign of this Is when sorrel takes
possession Of spots in the field But
by plowing this sorrel under and
planting buckwheat on the land re-
dnces the accidity. Some OF our truck
ing sections are beginning to find that
with continual heavy fertilizing of the
crops, their soils are beginning to be
disappointing in yield and quality.
They have been following the system
of the one crop all the time until now
nature seems to rebel at the same
treatment year in year out and de-
mands a change. In those cases, moth
Ing will restore the soil like q few
crops of buckwheat, either >plowed un-
der when two-third ripe or cut and
harvested, and the stubble plowed un-
der.
In some sections of the country,
buckwheat is looked upon as catch
crop. because 1t natures SO quick and
can be grown after another crop has
been harvested. In that case 1t fills q
want felt all over this section, because
there are times when crop of this
nature is called for The straw Of the
crop, il harvested in the orthodox fash
lon, Is not recommended for stock food,
and it's most useful function is as a
bedding for stock, but the grain makes
up any loss we may sustain for lack
of forage. in that 1T is excellent feed
for all stock, particularly milch cows
and young stock and as food for poul-
try, it is unsurpassed.
The preparation of the soil for a
crop OF this nature must be thorough,
for more depends on the first plowing
than the most of farmers will ac-
knowledge The plowing must be
deep and well done not any cut-and-
cover system will do. The most of our
farmers will have to learn sooner or
later that they must quit scratching
and 60 to plewing If they expect to
keep up with the procession and get
the. crop from the land that they
should get. After the soil is well
plowed from four to six hundred
pounds per acre Of high grade fertil-
izcr should be broadcasted and worked
into the soil by narrowing or some 9TH
or way most convenient and effective.
This fertilizer should analyze-say
three per cent. nitrogen, eight per cent.
phosphoric acid and ten per cent. pot
ash This grade seems high, but 1t
lows the analysis of what the plant
demands for its proper development
The seed can either be broadcast or
drilled if the soil is heavy and stiff in
Its nature. Drilling is recommended
because then the crop can be cultivate
ed and the crust formed by rains brok-
en- up. On sandy soils, broadcasting Is
recommended, but seeding must be
heavier and a weeder or light harrow
can be run over the crop at intervals
II the weather is. too dry or too wet.
The harvesting of the crop Is quite a
Job il one has not got a binder to DO
this work. / find it quite satisfac-
tory way to cut with a mower and
rake like hay. and put in shocks to
cure thoroughly, when it can easily
be threshed same as oats. Grading ana
putting in bundles is. preferred by
some and while this way is very good
II entails quite lot Of heavy and Ia
borious work, which every farmer
should try to avoid as far as possible.
These few re@arks on this very inn
portant crop VI, trust, stimulate
few more farilers to plant at least q
small acreage of it this year, when
know they will be pleased with the re-
suits. And in getting seed, be sure and
get the Japanese variety. as 1t is the
best In every way.
c. X. McQUARRIE.