CHAPTER IV 



TILLAGE MACHINERY 



83. Object of tillage. Agricultural implements and 

 machines used in preparing the soil for the seeding or 

 growth of crops may be classed as tillage machinery. 

 Tillage is the art which includes all of the operations 

 and practices involved in fitting the soil for any crop, 

 and the caring for it during its growth to maturity. 



Tillage is practiced to secure the largest returns from 

 the soil in the way of crops. Its objects have been enu- 

 merated in other works about as follows : 



(1) To produce in a field a uniform texture to such a 

 depth as will render the most plant food available. 



(2) To add to the humus of the soil by covering be- 

 neath the surface to such a depth as not to hinder further 

 cultivation, green crops and other vegetable matter. 



(3) To destroy and prevent the growth of weeds, 

 which would tend to rob the crops of food and moisture. 



(4) To modify the condition of the soil in such a way 

 as to regulate the amount of moisture retained and the 

 temperature of the soil. 



(5) To provide such a condition of the soil as to pre- 

 vent excessive action of the rains by washing and the 

 wind by drifting. 



At the present time practically all of the various opera- 

 tions of tillage are carried on by aid of machinery, and 

 for this reason tillage machinery is of greatest impor- 

 tance in modern farming operations. Modern tillage 

 machinery has enabled the various objects as set forth to 



