90 



Cultivation cmd tillage 



The mulch of straw or dried grass was found to 

 have the same effect in conserving the water as the 

 loose layer of soil obtained by hoeing. Some results 



were : — 



Fig. 43. 

 Cultivation and mulching reduce the loss of water from soils 



These results are so important that some indoor 

 experiments should be made to furnish more proof. 

 Fix up three inverted bell jars with corks and bent 

 tubes as shown in Fig. 43, fill all with dry soil well 

 pressed down, then add water carefully till it appears in 

 the glass tubes. Next day mark with stamp paper the 

 level of liquid in each tube and then leave one jar 



