AFTER CARE — FERTILIZERS 45 



We have learned that the roots of straw- 

 berries are not very large nor numerous, that 

 they do not extend far into the soil, but are 

 relatively surface feeders. It would there- 

 fore be advisable to cultivate shallow so as 

 not to Injure these tender roots. 



It Is also known that the plant In Its 

 growth uses large amounts of water to dis- 

 solve the food In the soil. This then Is 

 taken In by the roots and finally passed off 

 In the air by the process of transpiration of 

 the leaves. Each pound of dry material 

 of the plant would then be obtained at the 

 expense of many pounds of water. From 

 this fact conservation of moisture In the soil 

 Is very Important. This may be accom- 

 plished by cultivating thoroughly the entire 

 surface of the soil, leaving a dust blanket 

 to stop the evaporation of water from the 

 soil. 



Another point of interest In cultivation is 

 the mechanical effect of grinding the soil, 

 thereby breaking It up into smaller pieces. 

 This may be easily understood when we 

 consider how nature breaks up the larger 

 rocks by the action of rubbing one on the 

 other In the many streams or bodies of water, 



