250 CAMPBELL'S SOIL CULTURE MANUAL 



SOIL MULCH. 



Soil mulch is the true name for the loose soil on sur- 

 face intended to conserve moisture below, and this mulch 

 should be composed of lumps of soil ranging from the size 

 of a pin head to that of a walnut. To secure such a mulch 

 may seem difficult, but it is not if the soil is cultivated or 

 harrowed when moist, not wet, not dry. When loosened 

 up under this condition the soil readily separates the same 

 as when plowed in ideal condition. Careful notation will 

 disclose the fact that the soil under this condition takes 

 a granular form. The sun soon .dries these granules or 

 lumps and no blowing will be noted whatever. 



A soil mulch composed of these minute and larger 

 lumps will hold the moisture below without loss very much 

 longer and very much more effectively than the dust blanket. 



