272 LESSONS IN AGRICULTURE 



6. Difference between spur roots and the others. 

 State reasons. 



7. Can you find root-cap and root-hairs? 



8. Does your observation lead you to any conclu- 

 sions about tha cultivation of corn ? Explain. 



9. Make a drawing of the corn root system. 



LESSON LXXVI 



TILLING THE SOIL 



Tillage. Since May is especially the month of soil 

 cultivation, it seems best to study further into the es- 

 sentials of tillage. Tillage is next to, if not equal to, 

 fertilization of the soil. It includes the preparation, 

 the planting, and the cultivation of the land. 



Value of tillage. As we have learned, the plant is 

 fed by the roots, penetrating into the soil, gathering 

 up the dissolved food and passing it on to the plant. 

 If the soil is coarse and lumpy these feeding roots can- 

 not get at the food held in the lumps, but must feed 

 from their surface. Tillage breaks up these lumps, pul- 

 verizes them and allows the roots to get at the food they 

 contain. Stirring the soil also allows the water to dis- 

 solve the plant food more readily. 



Depth of plowing. Deep plowing in most cases is 

 best. It brings to the surface plant foods not reached 

 by shallow cultivation, and it pulverizes the soil so 

 that roots can enter the ground to a greater depth and 

 have more soil to feed from. This is especially true for 

 such root crops as beets, parsnips, etc., and for tubers 



