THE MOISTURE IN THE SOIL 51 



drainage, and in the summer months by evapo- 

 ration. The soil should be put into such con- 

 dition in the fall that it can readily absorb the 

 winter rainfall. If the surface is hard, smooth 

 and compacted, as is often the case with clay 

 soils, it should be loosened with the plow and 

 be left rough and uneven. If there is danger of 

 surface erosion or washing, some quick -germi- 

 nating seed (as rye or pea) may be sown in 

 early fall. The plants prevent the rain from 

 flowing away rapidly, and the roots bind the 

 particles of soil in place. 



71. The capacity of the soil to hold water 

 depends upon its original constitution (whether 

 clay, loam, sand, etc.) and upon the treatment 

 which it has received. If the humus or decay- 

 ing organic matter has been depleted, its mois- 

 ture-holding capacity is diminished. 



72. The capacity of the different soils to hold 

 capillary and hygroscopic water (when dried at 

 a temperature of 144) is shown by the follow- 

 ing-table : 



