184 SOILS 



trap and assists in preventing water loss. Extreme treat- 

 ment like this, perhaps, is necessary only in regions where 

 the water loss is large and the rainfall small. While the 

 sub-surface packer is peculiarly a semi-arid tool, it doubt- 

 less will, in time, secure favor in humid lands, also. 



Water-saving: a universal problem. If it were possi- 

 ble to estimate the shortage of crops due to lack of water 

 in arid or humid regions, the figures would surprise even 

 the most faithful of the creed of water-saving. While the 

 problem is immense, the solution is easy. I doubt if at- 

 tention can be applied in any direction that will bring so 

 great and so lasting returns as that given to water-con- 

 servation : a problem that includes every phase of soil 

 management from the time water is taken into the soil 

 until it is used by the growing crop. 



In the past, we have given attention largely to the 

 chemical side of soils : to that side having to do with 

 plant food. But recent study brings us to a realization 

 that water is important: just as important as is plant 

 food. Hence, no effort in soil management will bring so 

 good results as will a conscientious effort directed along 

 the line of moisture control. 



