376 



MAIZE 



CHAP. 

 IX. 



Eight to nine inches is a good depth for ox-ploughing ; but 

 steam-ploughing to a depth of 12 to 15 inches generally 

 gives better results. Deep ploughing is more necessary for 

 maize than for wheat. On shallow soils, however, with an 

 unfavourable subsoil, 6 to 8 inches is found sufficient. 



"Whether it is done well or badly, ploughing is a slow 

 business, and I think it is important that when it is done, it 

 should be done well" (IV. A. McLaren). 



■ :.. t.: '.: . - .-..-' ... ■•■ . : 





Fig. 132. — The " Fowler " direct traction engine (for oil or coal). 



Subsoiling 1 is generally considered most effective where 

 the subsoil is heavy. 



341. Different Soils Require Different Treatment. — It has 

 already been pointed out (IT 307) that the object of tillage is 

 (1) to improve the texture or physical condition of the soil so 

 that the plant-roots may have the best chance to reach food 

 and moisture ; (2) to render the salts more readily available 

 to the plant ; (3) to retain the moisture of dry soils and remove 

 surplus moisture from those that are too wet. 



1 Subsoiling has been described as a method of increasing the depth ot 

 ploughing by running a special " subsoil plough " in the bottom of every furrow 

 made by the ordinary turn-plough (Duggar, 2). 



