DISCS 



155 



ue of the disc. The agricultural press has been urging the corn grow 

 ers to use it freely. Because the blades cut deeply into the newly 

 turned-up mold, the spaces between the larger lumps of earth are 

 reduced and the whole mass settles down more closely to the sub- 

 soil. 



The full-bladed disc harrow for the general purpose oi pulverizing 

 and loosening the ground is the best tool yet devised. It has the ad 

 vantage of being suitable for use on either sod, stubble or corn stalk 

 lands. 



The cutaway and spading discs are also used in a more limited 

 way, the former being adapted for cultivating hay lands, the latter 

 more especially for corn stalk ground. 



FLANKER. 

 Used in smoothing and packing. 



Discing spring plowing is a common practice' among the farmers 

 of the corn belt. Often heavy rains run the surface particles to- 

 gether to such an extent that a tooth harrow is incapable of loosening 

 them. Grain stubble which has been plowed the previous fall re- 

 quires at least two discings before it is in shape to plant. 



The disc may be set deeper the first time than the second. Disc- 

 ing both lengthwise and crosswise leaves no surface unturned. Fall- 

 plowed sod should be disced very early in the spring because. 



First, the loosening of the surface admits air into the sod to de- 

 compose the organic matter, which lies next to the bottom of the 

 furrow. Because of this action, plant food is rendered available. 



Second. The physical condition of the soil being finer, the whole 

 mass settles more closely upon the sub-soil, reuniting the capillary 

 tubes and conducting moisture from the greater depths to the surface. 



Third. Weeds which have started to grow are destroyed. 



