39: 



THE FARMERS IIAXDI500K. 



The ground should therefore be deeply ploughed — as deeply as possible (even 

 up to 12 inches or more) without turning over an undue amount ol subsoil. 

 This ploughing should be given in the autumn or early winter, and the 

 ground allowed to lie in the rough state and to mellow down under the action 

 of frosts and winter rains. 



In the moister districts on the coast, winter cover-crops, like wheat or oats 

 and field peas or vetches, may be grown on part of the land for green feed or 

 green manure as required. Shallow soils which have been ploughed for a 

 number of years to the depth of the subsoil should not be suddenly deep- 

 ploughed ; it is better to deepen the ploughing by an inch or so every year, 

 until a sufficient depth is attained, and then to come back for one year to the 

 shallow ploughing. This method also prevents the formation of a hard or 

 plough-pan in shallow soils with a heavy subsoil. 



The Chopping Roller, used for cutting oil Maize Stalks prior to ploughing. 



(hi heavy soils which are inclined to run together after rain, the mould- 

 board plough is the best to use, as it leaves the land rough and open for the 

 reception of the winter rains. The disc plough pulverises the soil more. 

 and a heavy soil runs together quickly after its use. The disc plough 

 is therefore not the best for a first ploughing on heavy soil, especiaUv 

 where the winter raintall is high. The disc plough is, however, a valuable 

 implement for turning under old stalks, weeds, or other rubbish. Where the 

 m aildboard plough is used for this purpose, it should be preceded by a 

 chopping roller or by a smooth roller and disc harrow. 



Too many of our maize-growers still allow their land t<> lie under the old 

 stalks during the winter, and are content with a spring ploughing to 

 prepare the land for the next crop. It is estimated that this practice is 

 one of the biggest factors in lowering the acre yield all over the State. 



