CHAPTER XV 

 THE MANAGEMENT OF SPECIAL SOILS 



In Western Canada there are a number of soil types 

 which differ from what may be considered normal soils. 

 These generally require some special treatment for best 

 returns. Although most of these soils have not been 

 studied scientifically it has been thought advisable to 

 add a brief discussion of their peculiarities and the 

 methods now followed by farmers in managing Drifting 

 Soils, Alkaline Soils, Loose Top Soils, Burnt Out Soils, 

 Poor Soils and Cold Soils. 



DRIFTING SOILS 



Soil erosion as a result of wind action is one of the 

 most serious problems facing the farmer on some types 

 of soil in the open plains region of the West. It is the 

 first and most emphatic evidence of either poor soil, un- 

 suitable tillage or soil deterioration. During the past 

 three years it has been responsible for the partial or 

 complete destruction of thousands of acres of crop in 

 many different portions of the plains area. 



217. The Damage Caused by Soil Drifting is evidenced 

 not only in injury to the crop that may be on the land 

 but also to the soil itself. The seed may be uncovered or 

 blown out of the ground and the young plants may be 



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