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Preparation

Categories: GRASS SODS

A seed-bed for small seeds planted in mid-summer must be

able to retain moisture. Nothing robs a soil of water more surely than

a breaking-plow. Its use is a necessity in farming, but this effect of

plowing must be borne in mind when a seeding is planned for the driest

period of the year. It goes without saying that sods should not be

formed on land that is too solid for admission of air. A thorough

plowing is needed b
most soils prior to making a sod that will prevent

further stirring of the ground for a long period of time. It is best

when this plowing can be given in the preceding spring. This enables

the ground to become firm enough to hold moisture. If there is time for

a tilled crop, the cultivation is helpful. When the land must be broken

in the summer, the plowing should be done several weeks before the

seeding to grass must be made. The roller should follow the plow

closely to destroy the spaces that lie open to the hot air, permitting

the land to dry out. All deep harrowings should be given soon after the

plowing, stirring and mixing the ground, and then leaving it to settle

so that moisture can be held. It is bad practice to continue deep

harrowing until the seeding time of any small grain or grass planted in

a dry part of the year. Firmness is wanted in the soil.



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