The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1910-08-11
WINTER WHEAT
A GOOD CROP
CAN BE GROWN IN MANY PARTS
OF STATE.
PREPARATION OF SEED BED
GOOD SOIL AND SEED ARE NEG.
ESSARY TO SUCCESS.

wheat, which We believe VIII beneflt
our farmer readers. The bulletin
says;
Winter wheat should occupy an i'm
portant place on the farms of South
Dakota, especially those west of the
Missouri river. That winter wheat
can be grown in many sections Of the
state is evident. Experimental work
with this crop has not advanced far
but the prospects for it's extended
culture are encouraging. Numerous
trials have been made in growing
wheat in other states and countries
and certain principles or rules have
been laid down as guides for the farm
ers of those districts. These sugges-
tions can be applied in a general way
and satisfactory results might be
obtained, but there are special condi-
tons under which the same rule would
0 hold true. A new country always
presents new problems in wheat cul-
ture and South Dakota is no exception
IN tHlS respect.
Winter wheat requires a rich soil,
thoroughly cultivated. Many attempts
have been made to grow wheat on sod
land and in some cases good results
have been noted. The grower is
taking considerable risk in seeding a
field before it has been back set" and
well stirred. The crop in question is
a heavy feeder and must be given
every chance to develop rapidly dur
ing the early stages of growth and
when seeded on sod land it does not
have this opportunity.
A we'll prepared seed bed is n of
the most important factors connected
with winter wheat growing. Unless
the variety natures yer early two
crops can not be grown in succession
on the same field, because of a lack
of time in which to prepare the land
for the next crop. AS soon as the
previous crop has been removed the
field should be disced to prevent the
loss of moisture and to kill weeds that
spring up. Discing will prevent the
formation Of a hard crust OF the sur
face and at the same time the soil
will be left in such a physical condi-
ton as will catch and hold the mois-
ture that falls on the field. The pillow
should start during the early sum-
mer months if an ideal seed bed is
developed, as some time is required
for the soil to settle. "The earlier
the ground is turned the better will
be the returns"
The depth to which the soil is
stirred will be governed somewhat by
the character of the land, time of
blowing and rainfall. If the time for
seeding is ear at hand deep tilling
is not advisable. Oklahoma has con
Quoted extensive trials relative to the
depth Of blowing for wheat, Plots
We're disced three inches, others were
plowed four, five, six, seven, eight and
nine inches. The disc plots yielded
six bushels per acre while the seven
inch plot gave an average return of
twenty-five bushels per acre.
Extensive variety tests with wheat
have been conducted in neighboring
states and of all the strains deter
mined Turkey Red stands without an
equal. 1t is a hard bearded variety,
fi11arc foir1u uyo11 ond Glands drCrrhf
and cold weather admirably. The va
riety produces good pasture and sells
first class on our general wheat mar
kets. Other strains have received
some attention but in several cases
they are the Turkey Red under an.
other name. =
Since the winter season comes
quite early in South Dakota early
seeding is necessary. From the 18th
of August to the 5th of September is
considered within the proper limits.
Farmers are open to criticism If they
do they seeding after the tenth Of
September. 1t Is not a safe practice
to use less than six pecks of we'll
graded seed to the acre and in some
instances I'VE pecks would bring
better yields. To insure the proper
depth the seed should be planted with
a drill instead of b~roadcasting, though
first class results are reported from
the latter method Of seeding. Many
growers ask the question, "Is 1t a
good practice to drill between corn
rows?" II the land has been prop
erly titled profitable yields might ac-
crue. It is better practice. however.
to remoy the stalks, disc the field and
seed in the usual manner. II the land
is to be set to wheat which is now