CHAPTER XII 

 HARROWING AND ROLLING 



HARROWING 



AFTER spading or plowing the next operation in 

 the preparation of the soil is generally raking, har- 

 rowing or dragging. The objects of these opera- 

 tions are: 



To break lumps and clods left by the plow and 

 spade and to further pulverize the soil. 



Harrowing and raking aid in controlling soil ven- 

 tilation, and put the soil in better condition to ab- 

 sorb moisture. 



They check the loss of moisture by making a 

 mulch of fine loose earth on the surface. 



The harrow and rake destroy the weeds. 



The harrow brings about conditions favorable to 

 the even distribution of seeds. 



It is also the tool generally used to cover seeds 

 sown broadcast. 



Harrowing is generally done just before planting, 

 and with some crops just after, to cover seeds or to 

 smooth the ground. Harrowing is also done in the 

 first stages of growth of some crops to kill weeds 

 and make a soil mulch. The harrow should always 

 follow the plow within a few hours unless it is 



:- IOI 



AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY 



UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 



CITRUS RESEARCH CENTER AND 

 AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION 



