Contents xi 



PAGES 



Fall Plowing to Conserve Moisture. How most effective- 

 Amount of moisture saved Most important in sub- 

 humid climates Applicable to orchards and small 

 fruits 131-133 



Subsoiling to Conserve Moisture. Magnitude of the effects 



Duration of the effects 133-138 



Explanation of Effects of Subsoiling. Increases water ca- 

 pacity of soil stirred Decreases the capillary conduct- 

 ing power Allows the water to enter soil more deeply 

 Larger per cent of water available to crops 139-142 



Earth Mulches. Conditions modifying effectiveness Loses 

 in effectiveness with age Other mulches Too close 

 pasturing wasteful Value of surface dressings of ma- 

 nure Harrowing and rolling small grains after they 

 are up 142-147 



Early Tillage to Save Moisture. Amount saved Most 

 effective tools Early stirring rather than early 

 planting 147-151 



Danger of Plowing Under Green Manures. Catch crops in 



humid and sub-humid climates 151-153 



Summer Fallowing in Relation to Soil Moisture 153,154 



Influence of Summer Fallowing on Soil Moisture and on 



Plant-food 154-157 



Old Systems of Intertillage. Jethro TulPs method 

 Hunter's modification The Lois-Weedon system 

 Planting and tillage to utilize the whole rainfall 

 Distance roots of corn and potatoes spread laterally 

 Distribution of moisture in potato field Lateral feed- 

 ing of oats Horse -hoeing grain a form of summer 

 fallowing 157-163 



Frequency of Tillage to Conserve Soil Moisture. Should 

 often take place at the earliest possible moment Dan- 

 ger from late tillage 164,165 



