THE SOIL. 23 



RETENTION OF SOIL WATER. 



It is a fact that, during the average year, there is 

 not enough water in the ground for the production 

 of as large crops as it is possible for the soil to 

 yield. It is important for the farmer to cultivate 

 the soil so as to keep as much water as possible in 

 store for plant growth. In many cases, -the water 

 is allowed to escape so rapidly that only a partial 

 harvest is the result. It escapes from the soil in 

 three ways: by soaking downward, by evaporation 

 at the surface, and by being absorbed by the roots 

 of plants. The last, however, is the most desira- 

 ble, especially when a useful crop of plants is being 

 grown. It is difficult to prevent the soaking down- 

 ward; for, as has been said, it depends largely upon 

 the nature of the subsoil. During most seasons 

 there is not enough water in the soil for much 

 soaking away to take place. Not all of the water 

 falling upon the ground gets a chance to soak in. 

 Often the field is left for the winter so smooth and 

 compact that the rains and melted snows quickly 

 run away. 



WHEN PLOWING BENEFITS SOIL. 



Experience has proved that plowing the ground 

 late in the fall helps to catch and retain water. 

 The plowing leaves the ground loose, rough, and 

 open, so the winter snows and rains are caught and 

 retained in the many small cavities due to the 



