VERMONT AGRICULTURAL REPORT. 39 



are more prodigal in their expenditure of water than are narrow 

 leaved crops. Shallow rooting plants are apt to use moisture 

 more rapidly than do those whose roots penetrate the soil deeper, 

 and it is obvious that they have a less ready access to it. Hence 

 it is that they suffer sooner and more severely in drought than 

 do deep rooting crops. Grasses and cereals are less avid users 

 of soil moisture than are corn, clover, potatoes or most vegetables. 



Another factor in this matter of moisture usage is the length 

 of time during which the crop grows. A slow maturing crop 

 can succeed on a soil moisture content which would fail to sup- 

 port one which grows more rapidly. Again, the use to which 

 the crop is put bears relation to its water consumption. Garden 

 vegetables, which owe much of their sales values to their succu- 

 lence and to the rapidity with which they are forced, need opti- 

 mum moisture conditions to promote their successful growth, 

 while the slower maturing cereals may be stinted for a time and 

 recover. 



The adequate handling of the soil bears a close relationship 

 to the effective usage of soil moisture. The distribution of the 

 rainfall cannot be controlled, although it can be in some measure 

 foretold and provided for ; the character of the soil dealt with 

 may not be all one would desire, though it may be bettered through 

 intelligent handling; the usage of moisture by crops is inevitable 

 and the amounts tliey use cannot be curtailed without lessening 

 crop growth. The handling of the soil, however, be it adequate 

 or inadequate, is within the power of the individual farmer to 

 determine. It is within his grasp. He can profoundly modify 

 it at will, can greatly benefit croppage by proper tillage, or let it 

 suft'er from its lack. 



The operations of plowing, harrowing and cultivating all 

 have a bearing on the control of the soil moisture. These com- 

 mon farm operations, when carelessly done, may fail to conserve 

 needed moisture ; but when carried out with a clear understanding 

 of their relationship to water saving and of the proper procedure 

 necessary to the attainment of that end, their service as moisture 

 conveyors and purveyors to crop growth is beyond computation. 

 Just what should be that proper procedure, however, is not 

 always easily stated. Infallible rules universally applicable can- 

 not be laid down. There are many varients which prevent the 

 formulation of dicta, such, for instance, as the geographical and 

 topographical location, the physical characteristics of the soil, its 

 chemical composition, climatic conditions, the nature of the crop- 

 page. Hence it follows that while principles may be enunciated, 

 their advantageous application must always be a matter of indi- 

 vidual judgment. 



