38 Progressive Agriculture 



very warm soil held there by the mulch loosened 

 by the disk that sets the little micro-organisms 

 busy building up the life and energy in the soil. 



Another very important point is that the mulch 

 formed by the stubble being mixed into this 

 loosened surface which is not readily settled or 

 packed by almost any number of rains, does readily 

 take in each rain and when the water comes in 

 contact with the firm but moist soil below the 

 mulch, it percolates down more readily and deeper. 

 All the moisture you store in your soil is like so 

 much cash in the bank. 



When the top soil is not disked but left hard, 

 soon after harvest it is not infrequently found dry 

 down four to six inches. Following this condition 

 there may be quite a rain and in two days of hot 

 sun it is all gone, because it goes into the dry, firm 

 soil so very slow that the heat of the summer sun 

 aided by the reflection of the glossy stubble takes 

 it up quickly. Remember a little moisture 

 sometimes means very much. 



Following this disking and before you are ready 

 to plow one or two heavy rains may come, then 

 the weeds may start. Do not let these weeds 

 grow to any size. You have already been to the 

 expense of one disking for a worthy purpose, now 

 don't let the weeds later on, utilize this moisture 

 and dry out the land then try to plow and say 

 there is no value to disking after the harvester, 

 for the worthless weeds have robbed you. Give 

 the field another double-disking if you are not 

 ready to plow at once. At all hazards, don't let 

 the weeds grow, and then think you are adding 



