152 



EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 



Plot 2. — Previous to the date of the first collection this plot had received, after 

 the discing at the opening of the season, only one cultivation, namely: about the 

 middle of June. The soil therefore hr.« been undisturbed for several weeks during a 

 very hot and dry period when the samples were taken for analysis on July 18. The 

 percentage of moisture found (7-74) was decidedly low, though twice as large, as that 

 in plot 1, in sod. No doubt a large loss through evaporation had occurred during 

 the first part of July, an amount^ which might have been materially reduced by con- 

 stantly stirring the soil. 



From this time on till the close of the experiment the moisture content of the 

 soil was practically maintained at 11 per cent by cultivation. There naturally had 

 been surface evaporation, but this had been kept in check, so that the loss from this 

 cause had been made up by water drawn by capillary attraction from lower depths 

 aided by the scanty rain that had fallen in this period. 



Comparing plots 1 and 2, we learn that in the latter (the cultivated land) there 

 was approximately 100 tons more water per acre in the first 14 inches of soil than in 

 the former (plot in sod), in the middle of July. Subsequent to this date the difference 

 in water content of these two plots was even greater^ — due to more frequent cultiva- 

 tion of plot 2 and the ever increasing tendency of plot 1 to lose water. These dif- 

 ferences were approximately, per acre, as follows : August 1, 150 tons ; August 15, 

 167 tons. 



Tlot S. — In order to kill out bindweed, that had taken possession of the soil, this 

 plot had been heavily mulched in 1905 with refuse consisting of corn stalks, asparagus 

 tops, old hay, &c., the depth of material being about six inches. 



'The data shov/ that a mulch of this character is fully as effective as one of earth 

 (by cultivation) for conserving moisture. This conclusion is in accord with that 

 we reached some years ago, using straw as a mulch. The question of relative ex- 

 pense is one that must be settled by each fruit grower for himself — the price of labour 

 and the cost of mulching material are the two largest factors to be taken into con- 

 sideration. No doubt in many localities mulching would be cheaper than cultivating. 

 One objection to the mulching system in certain districts would be that in order to 

 induce ripening of the wood towards the latter part of the season it would be necessary 

 to dry out the soil somewhat and to do this the mulch would have to be taken off, 

 entailing expense. Another possible objection, but one upon which I can advance no 

 evidence, would be that mulching tends to keep the roots of the trees near the sur- 

 face and thus render them liable to injury during the winter. 



Series II. — This consisted of three plots among a number in an orchard set out 

 in the spring of 1906 by the horticulturist and so arranged as to illustrate. the effect 

 of various plans of soil management upon the growth and development of the young 

 apple tree. The soil though of a sandy character was much better than that of Series 

 1, being richer in humus. 



Skries IL— Consei-vation of Soil Moisture, C. E. F., Ottav^^a, Ont., 1906. 

 (.Samples collected to a depth of 14 inches. ) 



