320 SANDS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT 



summer feeding will solve, in a large measure, the problem of sum- 

 mer pasture, which is rather difficult to maintain on sands. 



Little need be said concerning sand fields which form parts of 

 many farms. Through intelligent management many of these 

 fields are sources of highly profitable returns. These fields, 

 together with the successful sand farms being operated, indicate 

 the possibilities that may be realized in the proper development 

 of sand lands that are at present considered of little agricul- 

 tural value. 



Field Studies. 1. Study systems of sand management, particularly on 

 successful farms. 



2. Study the character of subsoil in sandy fields. Which are more desir- 

 able than others? Why? 



Home Projects. Select three acres of sand or sandy soil, or an acre, 

 and divide into three equal portions. Fertilize properly. Establish a three- 

 year rotation of rye, mammoth clover and corn. Individual students or the 

 school may continue the rotation for at least six years, and observe results. 



2. Conduct projects in the proper management of sandy soils as directed 

 in the study of this chapter. 



QUESTIONS 



1. Name the four important classes of soils grouped under "sands." How 



do they differ in texture? 



2. What are the indications of a desirable sand farm? 



3. Name the special problems in sand management and state briefly the 



solution of each. 



4. What is of the greatest importance in sand improvement? Discuss. 



5. Is manure the best fertilizer to use on sand? Discuss its use. 



6. Should a sand farmer buy nitrogen fertilizers? Why? 



7. Discuss the importance of agricultural lime in sand improvement. What 



kinds of material may be used? Discuss their application. 



8. What mineral fertilizers are best for sands? Discuss their use and 



application. 



9. What are mixed fertilizers? How may they be of value in sand farming? 



10. Discuss the preparation of the seed bed on sand. 



11. What is the problem concerning the moisture supply in farming sand 



lands? What means may be employed for solution of this problem? 



12. Discuss the "blowing" of sand and its prevention. 



13. How should sands be plowed? Explain. 



14. Which are better for sowing grain and clover on sands, broadcast sowers 



or drills? Discuss fully. 



15. Tell of the value of peat in sand improvement. 



16. Name some crops especially well adapted to sands. What may be said 



of alfalfa, oats, barley, grass and pasture, sugar beets and cotton? 



17. Discuss crop rotation in relation to sand management. 



18. What is the main handicap of the farmer of limited means who begins 



farming on sand, especially when the soil is poor? 



19. What types of farming are adapted to sands? Discuss each. 



20. Have you seen a case of successful farming of sandy land? Give the ele- 



ments of success. 



21. For an outline summary of this chapter, see table of contents. 



