WHAT IS MUCK? 9 



While the total quantity of water retained 

 is large, the proportion available for the use 

 of crops per cubic foot is relatively little 

 greater than for loamy soils, because so much 

 water is held in such an intimate manner 

 that crops cannot get it. Added to this, the 

 capillary power of muck is weak, the more 

 peaty the material, the weaker this property. 

 An average muck will not raise water capil- 

 larily more than 15 inches to 2 feet. Some- 

 times 3 feet is about the limit for extra good 

 muck. This fact must, then, have a strong 

 relation to drainage and irrigation, suggest- 

 ing the need of careful attention to both. 



When drains are to be installed, the water 

 table should be kept as near the surface as 

 possible. If the water table cannot be main- 

 tained within 3 or 4 feet of the surface and 

 the season is a dry one, such as 1913, in most 

 sections it will be necessary to irrigate in 

 order to obtain maximum yields. 



Owing to the fact that muck holds so much 

 water, it contracts and checks badly when 

 dried. The importance of level culture and 

 careful mulching is, thus, indicated. The 

 dark color of muck tends to render it warmer 

 than other soils, as it absorbs more heat from 

 the sun. Nevertheless, this fact is counter- 



