CHAPTER XVI 

 SOIL INOCULATION: HOW DONE 



Successful farming now is associated closely with the 

 growing of leguminous crops. Why this is true we have 

 seen : leguminous crops when aided by tubercle bacteria 

 catch the nitrogen of the air and fix it in the soil. There 

 remains, still, one phase of this subject to be considered : 

 Is the farmer able to induce bacteria to visit his lands 

 and to work there in conjunction with the legumes, if 

 heretofore they have not been there? This question can 

 be answered in the affirmative. But if you would have 

 such visitors remain with you always, you must do your 

 part in making their new home comfortable and satisfac- 

 tory to them. Otherwise, they will die. Perhaps they 

 will do just as others before them may have done : they 

 may be unable to help you and also, at the same time, 

 be unable to live in the quarters you have for them. 



It follows, then, if you would have their help, you must 

 do your part : you must keep the soil free from stagnant 

 water ; keep it sweet and free from all bacteria-destroying 

 acids ; keep it open and mellow and fine ; keep it free 

 and attractive to air and like wholesome influences 

 then bacteria will come and flourish and do their work. 



And then bear in mind that legumes can be of no more 

 value in soil improvement than cereals or other non- 

 leguminous plants, if lor any reason the assisting bac- 

 teria arc forced out of the soil. You must get these little 

 assistants at work again, if, perchance, they have de- 

 parted. And if they come for the first time, let nothing 

 interfere in the way of their remaining. 



