Progressive Agriculture 15 



It is to the advantage of every farmer to observe 

 and make continual study of his work until he 

 clearly understands why any and all crops are 

 cultivated after planting. Each time there is 

 any mechanical work done the effort should be to 

 better the soil condition for healthier and quicker 

 growth, and a more prolific yield from the plant. 

 The better you know what the soil conditions 

 should be the more effective will all your work be. 

 To get the most good out of labor there must be 

 timely and correct application. 



Vital questions in the cultivation of crops, to 

 which greatest care must be given, are cultiva- 

 tion to keep the weeds down, for the weed pest is 

 a growing one; to keep the mulch coarse and loose 

 to a sufficient depth; and to prevent as far as 

 possible moisture loss by evaporation; but never 

 cultivate deep enough to destroy the roots of 

 the growing plants. Don't let a crust form on 

 the surface or under the mulch. 



This brief outline should be studied well before 

 proceeding, as it will greatly aid the reader in 

 understanding and appreciating each of the follow- 

 ing chapters. The thoughts involved will be 

 developed more in detail in various ways in the 

 following chapters. 



