150 



EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



1-2 EDWARD V)!., A. 1902 



includes the protection of the tree roots during the winter months. It may also be 

 pointed out that the growth of the clover during the late summer and autumn ia 

 expected to utilize soil moisture (that would otherwise serve to keep the trees growing 

 and thus prevent wood duly ripening before winter), and serve to retain the nitrates 

 which might otherwise be lost. 



The present investigation was undertaken to obtain data upon one of these features 

 only, viz., relation of cover crop and cultivation to soil moisture. Two areas in the 

 farm orchard were selected and are denoted in the table of results as A and B. The 

 6oil on both is light, sandy loam, rather deficient in humus. Particulars as to dates of 

 Bowing, ploughing under of the clover, &c, may be briefly stated as follows : — 



' A.' In cherry orchard. Clover was sown May 16, 1900, on the plot designated 

 ' Under Crop,' and allowed to remain during the season of 1901.* 



The plot ' Cultivated ' was planted in 1900 with pease and other vegetables, and in 

 1901 with vegetables and strawberries. It was constantly cultivated and kept free from 

 weeds throughout both seasons. 



For two successive seasons, therefore, the one plot has been in clover, while the 

 other has been kept cultivated. 



' B.' In plum orchard. Clover was sown over the whole of this plot on April 28, 

 1900. On the portion designated ' Cultivated ' it was ploughed under April 18, 1901, 

 and the soil cultivated from time to time throughout the season. 



The samples of soil, taken every two weeks from May 6 to October 21, 1901, in- 

 clusive, were obtained by means of special canisters which secured the soil to a depth 

 of 14 inches. The percentages of moisture and the calculated amounts of water per 

 acre (see table) therefore, represent to that depth the condition of the soil in regard 

 to water-content. 



The rainfall statistics have been given, the figures indicating the precipitation 

 during the period between the taking of each set of samples. For practical purposes, 

 an inch of rain means 100 tons of water per acre. 



Amount of water, per acre, in soil to a depth of 14 inches (a) Under crop and (h) 

 Cultivated. Estimations made every two weeks from May G to October 21, 1901. 



*The crop was not ploughed under in spring of 1901, as the soil was considered to 

 possess an abundance of moisture and the enrichment of the soil with humus and nitrogen 

 was chiefly sought. 



