MAKING THE SOIL PRODUCE CROPS 



pass through the lower depths of subsoil that 

 the roots of plants are destroyed by lack of 

 oxygen. In such cases the application of lime, 

 increasing the humus content, and deeper plow- 

 ing will be found helpful. Occasionally, the dis- 

 charge of dynamite or blasting powder in the 

 area, if it appears to be in the form of a pocket, 

 will break up the hard pan subsoil and permit 

 the water to escape. Less dependence is now 

 being placed on this means of correcting a wet 

 condition of the soil than was the case some 

 years ago. 



A similar condition of overabundant water in 

 soil may be due to the presence of springs or 

 to a high water table. Little can be done to 

 correct a condition where the water table itself 

 is so close to the surface as to inhibit plant 

 growth and this is assuredly one of the factors 

 to be looked into before a tract is purchased. 

 Where the surplus water is evidently being 

 supplied by a spring, an underdrain made of 

 tile pipe, 3 or 4 inches in diameter, can be laid 

 as a means of conducting the water into a 

 ditch or adjoining drain. In laying such a drain, 

 it should be placed above the area where the wet 

 soil surface is most evident. If such a drain is 

 laid 1 8 inches to 3 feet deep above the wet area, 

 it will cut off the water seeping down under- 

 ground and carry it away. Good results cannot 



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