CHAPTER XI 

 SPADING AND PLOWING 



WE have learned the important conditions neces- 

 sary for the sprouting of seeds and for the growth 

 and development of roots. We have also learned 

 something about the soil, its properties, and its re- 

 lation tOj or its behavior toward these important 

 conditions. We are therefore prepared to discuss 

 intelligently methods of treating the soil to bring 

 about, or maintain, these conditions. 



SPADING THE SOIL 



The typical tool for preparing the soil for root 

 growth is a spade or spading fork (Fig. 49). With 

 this tool properly used we can prepare the soil for 

 a crop better than with any other. 



In spading, the spade or fork should be pushed 

 into the soil with the foot the full length of the 

 blade and nearly straight down. The handle is then 

 pulled back and the spadeful of earth is pried loose, 

 lifted slightly, thrown a little forward, and at the 

 same time turned. The lumps are then broken by 

 striking them with the blade or teeth of the tool. 

 All weeds and trash should be covered during the 

 90 



