110 



DRY FARMING 



The ideal soil condition for plowing varies with the 

 kind of soil and its moisture content. Soil that is too 

 wet or too dry does not pulverize well, particularly if 

 it is of a heavy type. Such soil is out of "condition" and 

 as a result gives less favorable returns. In autumn in 



Fig. 37c. — Types of Coulters. 

 1. Blade coulter; 2. Revolving coulter and skimmer; 3. Revolving coulter; 

 4. Fin coulter. 



the dry parts of Western Canada some of our soils are 

 not in good condition for plowing. In spring and sum- 

 mer a better condition usually obtains. 



The type of mouldboard to use should be governed by 

 (1) the kind of soil, (2) whether it is in sod or stubble, 

 and (3) its normal moisture content. There is a type 

 of mouldboard suitable for almost every soil. The more 

 abrupt the slope the better the scouring quality, but, of 

 course, the greater the draft on account of the extra 

 pulverization that is accomplished. The common types 

 are the sod bottom (including rods for heavy gumbo), 

 the stubble bottom (including slats for hard scouring 

 soil) and the general purpose bottoms. These different 

 bottoms are generally interchangeable with each other 

 on the same make and size of plow. 



