180 CAMPBELL'S SOIL CULTURE MANUAL 



fact that a perfect root system is immedaitely established, 

 as shown in illustration, because of the perfect physical 

 condition of the soil and the large amount of available 

 fertility that has been developed by the summer tillage. 

 Remember the physical condition of the soil above represent- 

 ed is very easily attained in all semi-arid sections. 



At the end of the cut we have the same kernel a little 

 later. Note the liberal stooling. The one lone stalk has 

 developed dozens more, and why? Because of the enor- 

 mous root system that has developed, and in every con- 

 ceivable direction from the bottom of the stem these little 

 rootlets have penetrated the soil, from these little rootlets 

 thousands of little hair roots or feeders are drinking in 

 the moisture laden with plant elements, sending it to the 

 main stalk; but small as it is it cannot begin to utilize 

 all that this little army of food gatherers bring in; the 

 result is another stalk and another until enough have 

 pushed their leaves into the sunlight to take care of all 

 that is gathered in and provided by the roots. 



Now take notice that we are approaching a possible 

 big crop of wheat, for it is probable we have an average 

 of ten, fifteen, or twenty heads started to every kernel 

 we planted. If we can finish and mature a good head on 

 each stalk what can we look for in yield. Two things, 

 both of which are largely within the power of man to con- 

 trol, must be previously provided for, water and availa- 

 ble fertility. We may have plenty of moisture and yet 

 not the fertility; moisture can be stored as shown under 

 the head of percolation. Fertility in case of a summer 

 tilled field as shown above was developed during the heated 

 portion of the season when the soil was fine and firm, 

 with a loose mulch over the surface holding the moisture 

 at the top of the firm soil into which the air readily per- 



