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The Cornell Reading-Courses 



Depth of plowing. — Most farmers in New York State should consider 

 deeper plowing. Probably the average depth is not over five inches. 

 Much plowing is even more shallow than this. Particularly is deep 

 plowing better on heavy soils and on those inclined to have a compact 

 subsoil. It crumbles their structure, mixes organic matter more deeply, 

 and as a result of both processes more water is retained and more plant- 



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Fig. 95. — Diagrams illustrating the effect of depth of plowing relative to width of furrow 

 on the final position of the furrow slice. The second and third are the most satisfac- 

 tory. When set in this position the upper edge of the furrow slices may be readily 

 worked down to a seed bed without the interference of sod which may have _ been turned 

 under. Manure and turf are well distributed, without breaking connection with the 

 subsoil. Subsequent packing and preparation should break down tlie lower edge of the 

 furrow slice and bring the topsoil in close contact with the subsoil 



food is available to crops. Deep plowing is an efficient means of increasing 

 the general depth of root penetration; the deeper the roots are distributed, 

 the more uniform is the supply of moisture at their command and the 



